Drivers in south London are facing disruption today after a crash closed one of the area’s busiest roads in both directions. The A23 Brighton Road is shut at Old Lodge Lane in Purley, and slow traffic has been reported in the surrounding area as motorists seek alternative routes.
Follow our live blog below for the latest updates as this developing story unfolds throughout the day.
What we know so far
Here is what has been confirmed at this stage. Details remain limited, and we will update this article as more information becomes available.
- The A23 Brighton Road is closed in both directions at Old Lodge Lane in Purley.
- The closure follows a crash, with slow traffic reported in the area around the scene.
- It is not yet known how long the road will remain shut.
Where the closure is
The closure is on Brighton Road in Purley, in the London Borough of Croydon, at the junction with Old Lodge Lane. Purley is a busy suburban district in south London, centred on the Brighton Road corridor, with shops, homes and Purley railway station close by. The A23 is the historic main road running south from London towards Brighton and the Sussex coast. It is one of the busiest arterial routes in the capital’s southern suburbs, carrying commuters, buses and freight through Croydon, Purley and on towards Coulsdon and the M25.
Drivers warned to expect delays
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and to allow extra time for any journey through this part of south London. Drivers approaching Purley from either direction should expect queues and consider using alternative routes while the closure remains in place. Bus services that use Brighton Road may also be delayed or diverted, so passengers should check before they travel and allow plenty of extra time. Anyone already caught up in the congestion is urged to remain patient, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and follow any directions given by officers at the scene. Pedestrians in the area should also take care and follow any signed diversions around the closed section.
Why roads are closed after crashes
When a collision happens on a busy road, police will often close the carriageway in both directions. Closures of this kind are put in place so that emergency services can work safely at the scene, casualties can be treated, and recovery vehicles can remove any damaged vehicles. Officers will also want to examine the scene and make sure the road surface is safe before traffic is allowed back through. The length of a closure can vary widely depending on the circumstances, from under an hour to several hours. At this stage no further details about the Purley crash have been confirmed, and there is no estimated time for the road to reopen.
A developing story
This is a developing story, and the picture may change as the day goes on. Early reports from the scene of a road closure are often limited, with fuller details emerging once the emergency services have completed their work. Our live blog at the top of this page will be updated with the latest news as we get it, including any announcement about when Brighton Road is expected to reopen.
More travel news from across London
Elsewhere in the capital today, road closures are in place around Hyde Park and Westminster this morning for a half marathon. On the Tube, Victoria line passengers faced severe delays after a fire alert at a station, and in north London a police incident shut Turnant Road in Tottenham. For the latest on disruption across the capital’s roads, rails and bus routes, see our transport news section.
What to do if you are affected
Anyone planning to travel through Purley today is advised to check their route before setting off and to allow plenty of extra time for the journey. If you witnessed the crash, are caught up in the delays, or have information that could help our coverage, you can get in touch with our newsroom.
