The sheep caused delays of around 45 minutes in both directions after escaping onto the motorway.
An escaped sheep caused chaos on the M1 today (September 14) after escaping on to the busy motorway. Traffic was stopped in both directions while the sheep was captured.
The incident took place between J13 and J14 near Milton Keynes. Traffic officers were forced to temporarily stop traffic to protect motorists.
Taking to Twitter, National Highways said: “The M1 in both directions between J13 and J14 near Milton Keynes, traffic has been temporarily stopped due to a sheep on the carriageway. Traffic officers are on scene, we will keep you updated.”
The #M1 in both directions between J13 and J14 near #MiltonKeynes, traffic has been temporarily STOPPED due to a sheep on the carriageway. Traffic Officers are on scene, we will keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/CrQNzB2Bkw
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) September 14, 2022
It added: “There are currently delays of at least 45 minutes in both directions on approach to this M1 incident between J13 and J14 near Milton Keynes. Traffic officers are working with the owner to clear the scene as soon as possible. Please plan ahead of your journey.”
There is approximately 6.5 miles of congestion on approach both ways, National Highways warn drivers to ‘please allow extra journey time’.
The sheep has since been caught and removed from the road. The road has now been reopened.
However, the escaped animal has led to queues of traffic stretching miles down the motorway. Motorists are warned to continue to expect delays.