M25 drivers warned they will be hit with Ulez charge if they ignore diversions

The M25 will be closed in both directions between Junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday for bridge work. Diversion routes will take cars on a 19-mile journey on A roads, crossing from Surrey into London's Ulez area.

National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade said: "Although the (Ulez) cameras will be active, no enforcement action will be taken."

READ MORE: Behind-the-scenes video shows M25 bridge demolition before 'unprecedented' closure

READ MORE: M25 closure dates 2024: Everything you need to know from ULEZ advice to diversion routes

However, he warned drivers who ignore the diversion signs and do their own thing risk getting caught if their vehicle is not compliant. There are concerns sat navs could direct some drivers onto minor roads after leaving the M25, meaning they could be detected by other Ulez cameras as well as risk creating gridlock in residential areas.

Motorists who use the M25 are being warned to expect delays and disruption due to planned roadworks and the second of five planned closures which encircles London on sections connecting with Junction 10 as part of a £317 million improvement project.

This is the second of five planned closures of the M25 which encircles London on sections connecting with Junction 10 as part of a £317 million improvement project.

However, fears that diversion routes would become overwhelmed during the first planned closure between Junctions 10 and 11 in March proved unfounded as traffic levels were more than two-thirds lower than normal after a widespread awareness campaign.

Mr Wade said there is a "very real" risk that the lack of disruption then means some motorists will not heed warnings to replan journeys this weekend.

"We've upped the amount of correspondence that we've been sending out to try and counter that but it remains an issue," he said.

Other stretches of the M25 will also be disrupted this weekend due to ongoing work to retrofit additional emergency stopping areas on smart motorway sections.

Mr Wade explained that the Junction 10 work can be halted at various points throughout the weekend if it runs behind schedule, as "we wouldn't jeopardise opening the M25 on Monday morning".

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said drivers could face "up to six days of disrupted travel" as the M25 closure follows national rail strikes which are expected to spark increased traffic levels.

Fears that diversion routes would become overwhelmed during the first planned closure between Junctions in March proved unfounded as traffic levels were more than two-thirds lower than normal after a widespread awareness campaign. Continuing, she advised: "While the general advice is to avoid driving if possible, people will still need to make essential journeys for work, to access medical care and to reach Gatwick and Heathrow airports."

"Planning ahead is absolutely vital. Rather than relying on a sat nav, check the planned diversion routes ahead of time and be prepared for long delays."

"It's also a really good idea to check your vehicle's oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure and tread depth all before setting off to reduce the chances of a very unwelcome breakdown."

A further three weekend closures of the M25 are scheduled between August and year-end.

The construction project, with a completion date set for summer 2025, promises to expand road lanes and streamline entering and exiting procedures at Junction 10 - considered one of the UK's busiest and riskiest motorway junctions.

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