This is a developing story. We will update this article as the situation changes through the morning.
A crash involving a car and a lorry has blocked two lanes of the M25 clockwise just after Junction 24 for Potters Bar this morning, sparking long queues as the Tuesday rush hour gets under way.
The collision was first reported at around 5.25am on Tuesday 29 September. Lanes one and two of four are closed on the clockwise carriageway, with traffic able to pass the scene using lanes three and four while the incident is dealt with.
Congestion is already building back from the scene towards Junction 23 for South Mimms, and delays are expected to deepen as commuter traffic grows through 7am and 8am.
Rush-hour misery for commuters into London
The timing could hardly be worse for the morning commute. The clockwise carriageway between South Mimms and Potters Bar is a key artery for drivers heading into north and north-east London, and the lane closures landed squarely in the pre-rush-hour window, giving queues plenty of time to build before the peak.
Drivers joining the motorway at South Mimms, or travelling clockwise from the M1 at Junction 21 and the A1(M) at Junction 23, are likely to find themselves in slow-moving traffic. Anyone with a fixed start time — school runs, hospital appointments, shift work — should allow significantly extra time for the journey or consider working from home where that is an option.
Bus passengers should also brace for disruption, as services using the M25 corridor and the roads around Potters Bar are likely to be delayed.
What drivers can do
Traffic is still moving past the crash in the two open lanes, but at greatly reduced speed. Drivers already on the clockwise carriageway have limited options once they are in the queue, but those approaching the area may want to consider leaving the motorway at Junction 23 and rejoining at Junction 25 via the A1081 and A10 through Enfield — bearing in mind that local roads are likely to be busier than usual, and Enfield saw its own major M25 lorry crash disruption on Monday.
Motorists are advised to check live traffic conditions before setting off and to allow extra journey time. Overhead gantry signs on the motorway will show the latest lane closures, and most sat-nav apps are already reflecting the delays.
Drivers are also reminded to keep the hard shoulder clear for emergency vehicles unless directed otherwise, and to stay in their vehicles if traffic comes to a standstill.
A bruising week on the M25
This morning’s crash is the latest in a difficult run for London’s orbital motorway. On Monday, drivers faced major queues after a roundabout problem at South Mimms, while a lorry crash near Enfield drew a large emergency response. A separate live incident near Godstone also brought sections of the motorway to a standstill.
Sunday brought disruption on this very stretch, when the anticlockwise carriageway was shut near Potters Bar after a vehicle fire — making it three consecutive days of incidents around Junction 24.
On top of that, planned overnight closures are in force across the M25 this week, so drivers should check their route before travelling late at night as well as during the day.
What we know so far
- What: Crash involving a car and a lorry
- Where: M25 clockwise, just after Junction 24 for Potters Bar
- Lanes: Lanes 1 and 2 of 4 blocked; lanes 3 and 4 open
- Queues: Building back towards Junction 23 (South Mimms)
- First reported: Around 5.25am, Tuesday 29 September
Recovery work is under way and lanes will reopen once the vehicles are cleared and the carriageway is confirmed safe. We will continue to update this story as the situation develops.
