Developing story: Westminster Bridge has been closed in both directions this evening amid an ongoing police incident, with traffic disruption in central London.
The closure is in place between Victoria Embankment and Lambeth Palace Road. Traffic is slow in the area, although congestion is currently manageable.
What we know
Location: Westminster Bridge, between Victoria Embankment and Lambeth Palace Road
Status: Closed in both directions
Traffic: Slow in the area, congestion currently manageable
Buses: Routes diverted around the closure
Police were called to an incident on Westminster Bridge on Sunday evening. The bridge — one of central London’s busiest river crossings — has been shut to all traffic in both directions while officers deal with the situation.
Bus services are also being affected, with routes diverted around the closure. Passengers are advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for journeys through the area.
Travel advice
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternative river crossings. The nearest bridges are Lambeth Bridge to the west and Waterloo Bridge to the east, though both are likely to see increased traffic as drivers divert.
Pedestrians should also expect disruption, with the bridge’s footways closed as part of the police response. Those walking between Westminster and the South Bank should consider using Hungerford footbridge via Charing Cross, or diverting to Lambeth Bridge.
Tube and rail services are not currently reported as affected, but passengers changing at Westminster, Waterloo or Lambeth North should allow extra time.
Ongoing situation
Details of the incident remain limited at this stage. Police have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident or how long the closure is expected to last.
Westminster Bridge is a key route connecting Westminster with Lambeth and the South Bank, carrying thousands of vehicles, buses and pedestrians daily. Any closure during the evening causes significant disruption to central London’s transport network.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
For the latest on London’s roads, see our coverage of the Rotherhithe Tunnel closure and the Loampit Hill crash.
