A section of the M25, one of the UK’s busiest motorways, was closed during rush hour on May 14, 2025, following a collision between two lorries. The incident occurred on the anticlockwise

carriageway between junctions six (Godstone) and five (Chevening), starting around 3:45 AM. The closure disrupted thousands of commuters, with authorities indicating the road would remain shut throughout the morning peak. Emergency services responded promptly, but no injuries were reported. The crash involved a waste lorry, leading to debris across the carriageway, which complicated cleanup efforts. National Highways advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes, causing significant delays across southeast London and Kent.

This incident highlights the fragility of London’s transport infrastructure, where a single accident can cascade into widespread disruption. The M25, encircling Greater London, handles over 200,000 vehicles daily, making it critical to the region’s economy and connectivity. Closures like this amplify pressure on alternative routes, such as the A2 and A20, which often lack the capacity to absorb diverted traffic. The event also underscores ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly for heavy goods vehicles, which are involved in a disproportionate number of serious accidents. In 2024, the Department for Transport reported 1,266 HGV-related collisions in the UK, with fatigue and overloading cited as common factors. While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, it may prompt renewed calls for stricter regulations on lorry maintenance and driver hours.

Public reaction on platforms like X reflected frustration, with commuters sharing images of standstill traffic and venting about lost time. Some criticized the lack of real-time updates from authorities, while others praised emergency crews for their swift response. The closure’s timing, during early morning hours, likely mitigated worse congestion, but businesses reliant on just-in-time deliveries—such as supermarkets and logistics firms—faced disruptions. The incident also reignited debates about expanding London’s road network versus investing in public transport to reduce car dependency. Mayor Sadiq Khan’s transport strategy emphasizes net-zero goals, but critics argue it underfunds road maintenance. As cleanup continues, the focus will shift to preventing future incidents and improving incident response protocols. Photo by Jean Barrow, Wikimedia commons.