M25 Shutdown Alert: Big Roadworks and ULEZ Fines Ahead
Brace yourself, drivers! The M25 is set for its second major full closure this weekend. And that’s just the start – three more closures are lined up before the year ends. To make matters worse, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines will be enforced strictly during this period.
Weekend Chaos Between Junctions 9 and 10
From 9pm Friday (May 10) until 6am Monday (May 13), both directions of the M25 between Junction 9 (Leatherhead) and Junction 10 (A3) in Surrey will be shut. This £317 million revamp project calls for the installation of concrete beams for a new bridge and gantry.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area if they can. Detours will force a 19-mile trek through A roads and straight into London’s ULEZ zone. But don’t panic—stick to the official diversion routes and you won’t get slugged the ULEZ fee, no matter what your vehicle is.
ULEZ Fines: Don’t Get Caught Out
National Highways warns: if you ignore diversion signs to take “shortcuts,” you’ll face a daily £12.50 ULEZ charge if your vehicle isn’t compliant. Miss paying up? Expect a £180 fine, halved to £90 if you settle within 14 days.
Jonathan Wade, senior project manager at National Highways, said: “ULEZ cameras will be live, but no action will be taken against those following diversion routes. Deviate and you risk a fine.”
Be wary of Sat Navs trying to route you down tiny residential roads after exiting the M25. National Highways is watching closely to stop traffic chaos in local neighbourhoods.
More M25 Closures Looming This Year
After this weekend’s shutdown, expect three more weekend closures between August and the end of 2024. Dates are still to be announced. The August closure will collide with the busy school summer holiday, so expect major delays.
Though the first closure back in March (between Junctions 10 and 11) saw much lighter traffic than usual, officials warn drivers against getting complacent. Plan ahead and tread carefully through all upcoming closures.
Jonathan Wade reassures: “Work on Junction 10 improvements can pause if needed to reopen the M25 promptly on Monday mornings.” The project, due to finish summer 2025, will boost capacity and safety at one of Britain’s busiest motorway junctions.
