M25 closed in both directions after serious crash involving two cars

There is major disruption in and out of Swindon this afternoon following a fault with the signalling system in the area.

Lines have now reopened, but residual disruptions means trains could be cancelled, delayed by an hour, or revised.

This is expected to last until about 5pm, potentially having a knock-on effect on the evening rush hour.

It’s impacting the following Great Western Railway services:

• Between Carmarthen / Swansea / Cardiff Central / Weston-super-Mare / Bristol Temple Meads / Cheltenham Spa and London Paddington
• Between Westbury and Swindon

England’s regional mayors could soon be able to target e-bike and e-scooter operators and unruly users after reports of rides being scattered on pavements and blocking access.

Read more about the plans below.

All lanes remain closed on the M25 anticlockwise between J28 and J27 after a serious crash.

Traffic has been released clockwise after it was closed too to allow for the air ambulance to land. However, lane four remains closed past the scene.

National Highways said there are ‘long delays on approach.’

Inrix said Brentwood is also congested due to diverted traffic.

Metro approached the ambulance service and police for a comment.

Drivers trapped on the M25 in traffic have been encouraged to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol on road signs.

From Junction 28’s exit slip roundabout, take the first exit onto the A12 towards London.

Then, at the A12/A127/A118 ‘Gallows Corner’ Junction, follow the A12 towards London, then through ‘Gants Hill’ to Redbridge Interchange.

At A12/A406 Redbridge Interchange take the third exit A406(N) towards the M11.

From there at Junction 4, bear left towards Cambridge and exit at M11 Junction 6 onto the slip and rejoin the M25.

Essex Police has warned that the M25 is likely to remain shut for several hours following the serious crash in Essex.

The force said: ‘There is significant disruption in the area and we are expecting this to continue for a number of hours with possible road closures on both carriageways.

‘Please avoid the area if you can and plan accordingly.

‘We appreciate your patience and we will update you as soon as we can.’

A stretch of the M25 has closed after a serious crash in Essex.

Two cars were involved in the crash between J28 (Brentwood) and J27 (M11) on the anticlockwise carriageway.

The clockwise carriageway has also closed to stop to allow the air ambulance to land, National Highways said.

Traffic has been brought to a standstill on the M5 in Warwickshire after a broken-down lorry.

The HGV broke down southbound between junctions J5 and J6 near Worcester and Droitwich Spa.

Three out of four lanes have been closed which is causing 50-minute delays in the area.

The London Overground is experiencing severe delays on the yellow Lioness line after a trespasser on tracks.

The trespasser was spotted earlier at Stonebridge Park.

All other Overground lines have good service.

The East Croydon signalling fault is also wreaking havoc on Gatwick Express services.

Trains to and from Gatwick Airport have been suspended until further notice.

What to do if you need to travel

• Passengers with a valid ticket can use Southern trains to London Victoria instead
• Journeys will take up to 20 minutes longer than usual
• Travellers going to Gatwick Airport are advised to leave plenty of extra time, Gatwick Express said

Thameslink services at East Croydon in south London have been hit by disruption after a signalling system fault at the station.

Journeys could be delayed by up to 15 minutes, the operator said.

A stretch of the M25 was closed this morning due to the delayed finish of roadworks in Essex.

While all lanes have now reopened anticlockwise between J27 and J28, drivers still face delays in the area, with congestion stretching back to Dartford Crossing.

South Western Railway trains will be replaced by buses between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier due to a shortage of train crews.

Trains between the stations in Hampshire will be suspended from around 3pm until the end of the day.

Rail replacement buses will operate between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier, calling at Lymington Town until about 11pm.

An electricity supply failure between Hitchin and Cambridge means fewer trains can run between the stations.

Journeys will take 30 minutes longer than normal and passengers might have to change trains, Great Northern warned.

Disruption is expected to last until midday.

The issue has been caused by cable damage which is affecting the electrical supply, and while limited power was restored overnight, there will be fewer trains until the area has full power.

• Trains which would normally run between London King’s Cross and Kings Lynn will instead run between Cambridge and Kings Lynn
• Passengers can use their tickets for no extra cost on alternative Thameslink or Great Northern services via any reasonable route

Early morning commuters can let out a sigh of relief as most of the TfL network is disruption-free.

The Piccadilly line on the Tube remains partially closed in west London between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, while the rest of the line has minor delays due to a shortage of trains.

The M42 has closed southbound in Warwickshire after a crash.

It happened within junction J9 (Curdworth) this morning.

The travel analyst Inrix says the road is blocked due to a rolled-over vehicle and traffic is queueing.

Traffic is being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads, but drivers should allow extra time for their journeys, National Highways said.

Drivers on the M25 in Essex should prepare for longer journeys than usual after planned roadworks have overrun.

Part of the motorway is closed between J28 and J27 as the morning rush hour gets underway.

It is causing 30-minute delays on approach, with queues snarling back towards Dartford.

National Highways said its service providers are on the scene working to complete the works.