MOTORISTS have been warned that long delays remain on the A1(M), after a collision between two HGVs and a van resulted in a tanker-load of cooking oil leaking on to the road.

The accident between two HGVs and a van happened at about 6.20am this morning (Tuesday, December 1) between J48 at Boroughbridge and J47 near the A59 turn-off in North Yorkshire.

The crash resulted in a tanker transporting cooking oil being punctured and a large amount of cooking oil spilled onto the carriageway.

One person suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Large tailbacks built up on the motorway as the southbound carriageway was reduced to one lane. Five fire appliances from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were called to the scene to help with the clean-up.

Another lane reopened at about 3pm, but at 4.30pm North Yorkshire Police and Highways England warned motorists there are still long delays on the A1.

Highways England said the tanker had been carrying 7,000 litres of oil and they were at the scene helping with the clean-up operation.

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “Drivers are facing delays during the evening rush hour following an incident this morning which involved a van and two lorries, one of which was carrying 7,000 litres of vegetable oil. The carriageway had been reduced to one lane but lane two has just been reopened.

“Highways England contractors are currently on-site and are working to clear the oil from the carriageway as quickly as possible.

“Drivers using this section of the A1(M) are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

“Live traffic information is available on the Highways England’s website and mobile app.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “We got a call at 06:am to reports of a road traffic collision between a tanker and a HGV on the A1 southbound carriageway (between J48-47).

“We sent a number of fire engines to the scene. On arrival, they found that no-one was trapped in either vehicle, but that one of the vehicles was leaking its contents.

“Crews left the incident in the hands of highways.”