M25 Shutdown Warning: Avoid Ulez Fines by Sticking to Diversions
The M25 is set for a major closure between Junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey from 9pm on Friday, May 10 until 6am Monday, May 13. Drivers are being warned to follow official diversion routes closely – or risk costly fines under London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).
Stray Into Ulez Zone and Pay Up!
National Highways has issued a stark warning: stray from the designated diversion routes onto minor roads and you could hit Ulez cameras. Non-compliant vehicles face a hefty £12.50 daily charge. Miss payment and you’re up for a fine of up to £180, though settling within 14 days cuts it to £90.
Jonathan Wade, senior project manager at National Highways, said: “You’ll be perfectly safe as long as you follow the diversion routes.” But he admits sat navs may misdirect drivers into Ulez areas, potentially causing traffic chaos in local neighbourhoods.
Sadiq Khan’s Ulez Expansion Adds Pressure
Since August 2023, Mayor Sadiq Khan has extended Ulez to cover all of London, raising the stakes for drivers trying to navigate the capital’s snarl-ups without getting slugged.
£317 Million M25 Upgrade Sparks Multiple Closures
This closure is the second of five planned shutdowns at Junction 10 as part of a £317 million motorway upgrade. The first lockdown in March saw lighter traffic thanks to a big awareness push. But officials fear some will ignore diversion signs this time around.
Meanwhile, smart motorway retrofitting nearby may add to congestion. National Highways pledges to pause work if needed to guarantee reopening on schedule Monday morning.
RAC Calls for Patience and Prep
RAC’s Alice Simpson urges drivers to plan ahead. “Check your vehicle, know your diversion routes and expect delays,” she says. Ongoing national strikes aren’t helping matters, so expect a slow ride.
Long-Term Fixes to Tackle Gridlock
The M25 improvements are not over. With completion expected by summer 2025, the project aims to boost lane capacity and ease access at one of the UK’s busiest motorway junctions.
Three more closures are due between August and year-end as work continues in phases.
