M25 traffic: Chaos as police shut motorway with 5 miles of queues
Emergency services were in attendance following a "police led incident", National Highways said.
Motorists experienced long queues this morning and early afternoon on the M25 in Hertfordshire and Essex after the major motorway was closed clockwise between J25 (Waltham Cross) and J26 (Waltham Abbey). Emergency services were in attendance during what is being described by National Highways as a "police led incident".
The closure sparked several miles of queues, with a diversion route in place. National Highways urged motorists to plan ahead and re-route or even delay their journey wherever possible. Motorway cameras showed heavy traffic around Junction 24.
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The M25 reopened this afternoon, as announced around 1.30pm by National Highways.
A spokesperson said: "The M25 clockwise has reopened following an earlier police led incident. There are two miles of residual congestion causing 20 minutes delays above normal travel time."
As noted by the spokesperson, some delays were still to be expected in the immediate aftermath of the reopening of the M25.
All lanes reportedly reopened
According to the latest Inrix update: "After an hour and a half closure. Still diverting off and on at J25 but all lanes are open going past now.
"After an hour and a half closure. Trapped traffic has been released, and all lanes open now after a short hold."
Traffic growing from 4 to 5 miles
National Highways latest X update now puts traffic queues at five miles, up from four.
For further information on this #M25 clockwise closure between J25 (#Enfield) & J26 (#WalthamAbbey), including the diversion route details, please head over to:https://t.co/cxhTsVAmMP
\u2014 National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) April 22, 2025
There are 5 miles congestion on approach so allow extra journey time as delays build. pic.twitter.com/67rAIqgStt
More images from the scene
Lorries and cars are shown jammed bumper-to-bumper on J24 and J25.
Motorway cameras show growing queues
Junction 24 and 25 is jammed with lengthy queues that appear to be growing.
Diversion route in full
National Highways has put the following diversion in place. Traffic should follow the route marked with a hollow triangle symbol on local road signs:
Exit at J25 and at the roundabout take the third exit on to the A10 towards London Follow the A10 southbound to the Great Cambridge Junction with the A406 North Circular Take the first exit on to the A406 North Circular eastbound Remain on the A406 towards the M11 Join the M11 northbound at J4 Follow the M11 northbound to J6 and exit to re-join the M25A National Highways spokesperson said: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."
National Highways statement
National Highways said: "The M25 clockwise is closed between J25 (Enfield) and J26 (WalthamAbbey) due to a Police led incident. Emergency services are in attendance. There are four miles congestion on approach so please allow extra journey time if in the area."
Welcome to our live coverage of the incident on the M25
Good afternoon, welcome to our coverage of the incident of the M25.
Stay tuned for the latest updates.
