Drivers are being warned to follow diversion signs in order to avoid ULEZ charges during three weekend-long junction closures on the M25. Closures will be in place on the weekends of 4 October, 18 October and 1 November, when drivers won't be able to use slip roads to leave or join the M25 or the A3 at junction 10.
The roads will close at 21:00 BST on the Friday of each weekend and reopen by 06:00 on Monday, National Highways said. A spokesperson said: "While the Ultra Low Emission Zone across London will remain in force during these closures, the signed diversion routes have been designed to ensure that drivers would avoid any charges."
The advice to drivers is to follow the signed diversion route or "check whether their vehicle would be subject to charges at the Transport for London website". There are seven diversions listed by National Highways for the weekends, when both the M25 and the A3 will remain open.
Avoiding the ULEZ Charges
The ULEZ was expanded to cover all London boroughs in August 2023, and ordinarily drivers of non-compliant cars anywhere within the ULEZ face a daily charge of £12.50. Of the seven diversions, two of them use the A243 going past Chessington World of Adventures, which is within the zone. This means a driver driving both Saturday and Sunday of each affected weekend could rack up a £75 charge.
The BBC has asked Transport for London for clarity on how drivers using the diversion will be monitored and those in non-compliant cars not charged on their journey. The ULEZ will still be in force across London during the closures, meaning drivers could be stung with a fine if they don't follow the signed diversion route.
Understanding the M25 Closures
The closures are part of a three-year £317m project to update the junctions. National Highways said junction 10 was the busiest section of the M25, with more than 300,000 vehicles passing through every day. Three full weekend closures of the motorway have taken place already in 2024, with more scheduled in 2025.
Drivers are strongly advised to follow the signed diversion routes or check their vehicle's compliance on the Transport for London website before travelling. For those heading eastbound on the M25 towards Gatwick and wishing to access the A3, the diversion involves exiting at Junction 11 and following the A320 and A245, road users are told.
Navigating the Closures: A Word of Caution
Drivers are being urged to avoid relying on sat-navs during the closures, as they may not be updated with the latest information. Motorists should instead follow the signs provided by National Highways and use the Transport for London website to check if their vehicles are ULEZ compliant. The closures are expected to cause significant disruption to traffic, so drivers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel.
By taking these precautions, drivers can avoid unnecessary costs and delays during the M25 closures. Remember to check the Transport for London website for the latest information on ULEZ charges and compliance. With a little preparation, you can navigate the closures smoothly and safely.
