M25 Overnight Closure: Ulez Diversion Warning Issued

Motorists must adhere to diversion signage during a planned overnight shutdown of the M25 to prevent incurring charges under London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) regulations. Previously, during the preceding month, extensive gyratory construction at junction 10, a point traversed by over 300,000 vehicles daily, necessitated the closure of motorway slip roads in both directions for two complete weekends. Nevertheless, a previously scheduled third weekend of interruptions has been reduced to a single evening event, scheduled from 21:00 GMT on Saturday (2 November) until 10:00 GMT on Sunday. A representative from National Highways stated that the M25 will be closed in both directions, along with all slip roads between junctions 10 and 11, to facilitate the completion of “significant bridge work”. Beyond adhering to the marked alternative paths, National Highways advised drivers to “check the Transport for London website to see whether their vehicle is subject to Ulez charges”. The Ulez, also known as a ‘clean-air zone’, experienced a contentious expansion to encompass all London boroughs in August 2023. Typically, operators of non-compliant vehicles within this zone incur a daily fee of £12.50. However, non-compliance can result in a fine of £180, which is lowered to £90 if settled within 14 days. As part of a three-year, £317m upgrade initiative, two additional M25 closures are anticipated for spring 2025. The overall project, slated for completion by next summer, seeks to introduce new “jet lanes” that will traverse the junction with the A3, bypassing traffic signals. Nevertheless, the specific closure on Saturday night is dedicated to the erection of the new Clearmount footbridge across the M25, described as the most extensive bridge construction within the entire undertaking.