A second vehicle fire on the A1(M) near Welwyn today (Saturday) is causing further delays for drivers in Hertfordshire.

Both northbound and southbound carriageways of the motorway are affected by a second blaze on the stretch near Welwyn.

Not long after re-opening the A1(M) southbound from Junction 6 for Welwyn to Junction 4 Hatfield ahead of schedule, following an earlier accident, another fire is causing further tailbacks.

The Highways Agency (@HAtraffic_east) tweeted: “#Hertfordshire Having recently re-opened the #A1M southbound J6 - J4, the road is now blocked J7 - J6 both ways, due to another vehicle fire”

A further Twitter update read: “#Hertfordshire One lane has re-opened in each direction on the #A1M J6 - J7. @HFRS still at scene tackling the blaze. Expect delays.”

The motorway had earlier today been shut for more than five hours between Junctions 6 and 4, following a serious car fire on the southbound carriageway.

There are currently delays of 15 minutes due to the accident closing one lane on the A1(M) northbound between Junction 6 and Junction 7 for Stevenage.

Motorists can expect delays of around 30 minutes on the A1(M) southbound between Junction 7 and Junction 6, with two lanes closed.

The Highways Agency expects normal traffic conditions from 7.45pm.

* Live traffic information is available on the Highways Agency website and mobile app, and drivers can also listen to traffic bulletins on local radio for updates.

There are also eight Highways Agency feeds on Twitter, with live traffic information provided by region.

For information on roads in the East follow us at @HAtraffic_east or for the full index visit www.highways.gov.uk/twitter