A major collision on the M25 caused widespread disruption on Wednesday, leaving thousands of motorists stranded in lengthy queues as emergency crews responded to a serious incident near Godstone.
The crash happened on the clockwise carriageway close to Junction 6, one of the motorway’s busiest sections, prompting authorities to halt traffic while emergency services worked at the scene.
National Highways confirmed that multiple lanes were closed following the incident, with an air ambulance among the resources deployed. The seriousness of the collision led to traffic being held for an extended period, creating congestion that quickly spread across surrounding routes.
By midday, delays had stretched for several miles, with traffic backing up toward the M26 and affecting major routes across parts of Surrey and Kent. Many drivers reported being stationary for long periods as recovery and emergency operations continued.
Images and videos shared from the scene showed rows of vehicles at a standstill, with some motorists stepping out of their cars to escape the heat. Others were seen walking along the hard shoulder or exercising pets while waiting for movement to resume. Authorities reminded drivers that leaving vehicles on active motorways can create additional safety risks and should be avoided unless instructed by emergency personnel.
The disruption came during one of the hottest periods of the year, with temperatures approaching 30°C in parts of southeast England. Road surface temperatures were believed to be significantly higher, adding to the discomfort faced by stranded motorists.
Several travellers reported missing appointments, events, and transport connections due to the delays. One motorist described missing an international flight after becoming trapped in the queue for hours.
National Highways has urged drivers to seek alternative routes where possible and monitor travel updates before setting out. Traffic conditions are expected to remain difficult until the scene is fully cleared and all lanes are reopened.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information available at the time of publication. Traffic conditions, lane closures, and details regarding the incident may change as emergency services and highway authorities continue their response.