M25 Junction Closures Prompt ULEZ Charge Warnings

Drivers in southeast England are being alerted to avoid Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges amid upcoming junction closures on the M25. The National Highways Agency has announced closures for the weekends of October 4, October 18, and November 1. These closures will affect slip roads connecting the M25 and the A3 at junction 10, which is known to be the busiest section of the motorway.

According to the National Highways, the slip roads will close at 21:00 BST on each Friday of the specified weekends and will reopen by 06:00 the following Monday. During these closures, drivers will be advised to follow signed diversion routes specifically designed to prevent them from incurring ULEZ charges, which commonly apply within the expanded zone covering all London boroughs.

A spokesperson from National Highways commented, “While the Ultra Low Emission Zone across London will remain in force during these closures, the signed diversion routes have been crafted to ensure that drivers would avoid any charges.” This is particularly significant given that drivers of non-compliant vehicles within the ULEZ face a daily fee of £12.50.

The ULEZ, which was expanded in August 2023, covers a vast area of London, and the diversions have been planned meticulously to navigate around it. Of the seven listed diversion routes, two pass through the A243, which includes areas such as Chessington World of Adventures and falls within the ULEZ. This presents a potential risk for drivers running non-compliant vehicles.

The closures are part of a substantial £317 million project aimed at updating and improving the junctions on the M25. According to National Highways, over 300,000 vehicles pass through junction 10 daily, highlighting its critical role in regional transport infrastructure.

In addition to these planned closures, there are ongoing overnight closures affecting various slip roads and sections of the A3 until September 27. To aid motorists during these times, National Highways has laid out specific diversion paths, such as one for eastbound traffic towards Gatwick via junction 11 and the A320, and for westbound traffic towards Heathrow using junction 9.

Drivers are urged to plan their trips carefully, allowing additional travel time and possibly considering public transport where feasible. The ultimate objective of the project is to enhance safety, ease congestion and improve access for a variety of users including cyclists and pedestrians, thereby supporting local and national economic growth, as reiterated by project officials.