Commuters in north London are facing major disruption this morning after a vehicle fire closed a busy road in Southgate in both directions.
The blaze was first reported at around 6.21am on Monday 5 October on Chase Road, with the road quickly shut between Chelmsford Road and Lakenheath while emergency crews dealt with the incident. Drivers have been warned to expect significant delays, with traffic already queueing on the surrounding streets as the morning rush hour builds.
Chase Road is a key route through the N14 area, linking Southgate with Oakwood, and its closure has come at the worst possible time of day. Queues have been building around the closure as commuters hunt for alternative routes through the area.
For many residents, Chase Road is the most direct route towards the North Circular and the wider road network. With the road shut, traffic is being squeezed onto surrounding residential streets, and slow-moving queues have been reported stretching back from both ends of the closure.
Follow our live updates on the incident below.
Buses diverted around the closure
Bus passengers are also caught up in the disruption. Route 121 is being diverted around the closure, meaning stops along the affected stretch of Chase Road are not being served as normal. Anyone planning to travel through the area is advised to check live departure information before setting off and to allow plenty of extra time for their journey.
Bus diversions are expected to remain in place until the road reopens, and knock-on delays are likely on other services passing through Southgate as vehicles are funnelled onto alternative roads.
Drivers urged to avoid the area
Motorists who would normally use Chase Road are being urged to avoid the area entirely and plan alternative routes. Those travelling between Southgate and Oakwood will need to use neighbouring roads, though these are already carrying heavier than usual traffic as drivers divert around the closure.
The timing could hardly be worse, with schools and workplaces in session and thousands of journeys funnelled through the N14 area every morning. Anyone able to delay their journey or work from home may want to consider doing so until the road reopens.
Drivers are reminded never to attempt to drive through a closed road, even if the way ahead looks clear, as emergency vehicles may still need access and the carriageway may be unsafe.
What we know so far
- A vehicle fire was reported on Chase Road, Southgate, at around 6.21am on Monday 5 October
- The road is closed in both directions between Chelmsford Road and Lakenheath
- Bus route 121 is being diverted around the closure
- Traffic is queueing in the surrounding area, with delays expected through the morning rush hour
- Emergency services remain at the scene while the vehicle is recovered and the carriageway made safe
A difficult few days for London’s roads
The Southgate closure comes just days after Southgate Road in Islington was shut in both directions while police dealt with an incident, capping a difficult few days for the capital’s road network.
South London has also seen major disruption, with Kingston Road shut westbound after a burst water main flooded South Wimbledon.
Oil, fuel and debris from vehicle fires can leave the road surface hazardous, which is why closures often remain in place for some time after the flames are extinguished. The road will need to be inspected and cleared before it can safely reopen to traffic.
We will continue to update this live blog as more information becomes available. No further details about the cause of the fire have been released at this stage.
