A crash involving a van has caused severe traffic congestion on the M25 clockwise in Surrey. This incident occurs just as millions are expected to travel for the early May bank holiday weekend.
As of early Tuesday, motorists are being held between junction J10 (Guildford) and J11 (Woking) due to the collision. Queues have stretched for six miles, resulting in delays of around 45 minutes.
Severe delays also affect the anticlockwise carriageway, with queues extending back towards Heathrow Airport and junction J13. National Highways reported that Surrey Police are on scene with traffic officers.
The early May bank holiday is projected to be the busiest on UK roads in a decade. Around 19 million trips are forecasted over this weekend.
Today, 3.7 million people are set to hit the roads, a day referred to as ‘Frantic Friday’. Saturday is expected to see an even busier traffic flow, with around 4 million trips anticipated.
Despite high fuel prices — with petrol averaging 157.17 pence per litre and diesel at 189.23 pence — drivers seem undeterred. Sean Kimberlin from RAC noted that it takes a lot to stop drivers from taking to the roads during a bank holiday weekend.
Officials have not confirmed how long the delays may last or if further incidents have occurred. However, drivers should prepare for extended travel times as they navigate these congested routes.