As the M25 braces for a closure between Junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey from 9pm on Friday, May 10 until 6am on Monday, May 13, motorists are urged to adhere to official diversion routes to avoid facing charges under London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).

National Highways has cautioned drivers that veering off diversion routes onto minor roads could lead them into areas covered by Ulez cameras, triggering the £12.50 daily fee if their vehicle fails to meet emission standards. Failure to pay may result in fines of up to £180, reduced to £90 if settled within 14 days.

Jonathan Wade, senior project manager at National Highways, emphasized the importance of following diversion signs, stating, “You’ll be perfectly safe as long as you follow the diversion routes.” However, concerns have been raised about sat navs inadvertently guiding drivers onto roads within the Ulez zone, potentially causing gridlock in residential areas.

London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan expanded Ulez coverage to encompass the entirety of London in August 2023, heightening the need for compliance among drivers navigating the capital’s roads.

The closure, part of a £317 million improvement project, marks the second of five planned weekend shutdowns in the Junction 10 area. The first closure in March saw significantly reduced traffic levels due to an extensive awareness campaign, but officials remain wary of potential disregard for diversion routes this time.

In addition to the M25 closure, scheduled retrofitting work on smart motorway sections may cause disruptions in certain areas. National Highways assured that the project could be paused if necessary to ensure the M25 reopens as planned on Monday morning.

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson urged drivers to plan ahead for potential delays, advising thorough vehicle checks and familiarization with diversion routes. With national rail strikes adding to expected traffic volumes, drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and patience during their journeys.

The ongoing M25 improvement project, slated for completion in summer 2025, aims to enhance lane capacity and access at Junction 10, addressing safety concerns and improving traffic flow in one of the UK’s busiest motorway junctions. Three more closures are scheduled between August and the year’s end as part of the project’s phased approach to implementation.