M25 Traffic Chaos Near Reigate: Crash Between Lorry and Car Causes Seven-Mile Delays, What You Need To Know

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Published on September 23, 2025

M25 traffic chaos near reigate - travel and tour world

A significant traffic incident on the M25 near Reigate has caused severe delays this morning, September 23, with a seven-mile traffic queue forming after a crash between a lorry and a car. The crash occurred shortly after 7am on the anticlockwise section of the M25, close to Junction 8, which connects to the A217 Brighton Road. The incident has resulted in major disruptions for travelers commuting to and from London, as well as those passing through the Surrey area on their way to other destinations.

The road was temporarily closed as emergency services, including Surrey Police and National Highways officers, worked to clear the scene and move the vehicles involved. While one lane was kept open for recovery operations, the majority of lanes were blocked, leading to significant congestion in the surrounding areas. Traffic monitoring services have reported delays of up to 20 minutes, with recovery work continuing throughout the morning.

Emergency Response and Road Closure Details

The crash occurred just after 6:55am, and emergency responders were quick to arrive on the scene. One individual was taken to the hospital as a precaution following the collision. The incident involved two cars and a lorry, all of which were located on the M25's anticlockwise carriageway.

While all lanes on the M25 near Junction 8 have since reopened, the recovery process has caused residual delays. National Highways reported that recovery vehicles worked diligently to clear the wreckage, with one lane still closed near the hard shoulder for safety and recovery purposes. While lanes have reopened, delays are expected to persist as traffic clears.

How the Crash Affects Business and Leisure Travel

For both business and leisure travelers, this crash on the M25 has led to considerable disruption.

Commuters on their way to work in London or the surrounding areas have faced lengthy delays, potentially impacting productivity for those with time-sensitive meetings or commitments. Business travelers relying on the M25 to reach meetings or events in the South East of England need to adjust their travel plans to account for delays, especially during peak hours. Leisure travelers, particularly those heading to local attractions or those traveling for weekend getaways, are also impacted.

Those planning to visit Surrey or surrounding areas might experience frustration as they navigate detours and wait for traffic to clear. The heavy traffic, compounded by the crash, is a reminder of the unpredictability of road travel in the UK. Advertisement

Recovery and Diversion Routes for Affected Travelers

Travelers stuck in the traffic or trying to avoid the M25 can consider alternative routes to bypass the crash site.

For those heading towards Reigate, the A217 Brighton Road remains open, and drivers can access the area via alternative approaches. For those traveling east or west, it is advisable to use the A243 or other nearby routes to avoid the congested M25 section. It is also important for travelers to check the latest traffic updates on official websites such as National Highways or Inrix for real-time information about traffic conditions and possible further disruptions.

Additionally, those with access to real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze may find alternative routes suggested to help them bypass the incident area.

Tips for Travelers Affected by M25 Delays

Allow Extra Time: If you're traveling on the M25, especially near Reigate, plan for significant delays. Expect up to 20-minute wait times as traffic clears from the crash site.
Use Alternative Routes: If you're traveling towards London or other areas along the M25, consider using nearby roads like the A243 or A217 to avoid congestion.
Stay Updated: Keep up to date with the latest traffic updates on National Highways or Inrix for real-time news on the incident and possible road closures.
Check for Local Disruptions: The incident has impacted not only the M25 but also surrounding roads, including routes leading into Reigate and Leatherhead. Be aware of any additional closures or disruptions in those areas.
Travel Off-Peak: If you can adjust your travel plans, try to travel during off-peak hours to avoid the bulk of the congestion.

Early morning or late evening travel times may offer less traffic disruption.
Consider Public Transport: If you're able to, consider switching to public transport, as trains may offer a quicker alternative to road travel during this disruption.

How This Incident Affects Local and National Travel

The M25 is one of the UK's busiest motorways, serving as a key route for travelers across southern England. As such, any major incident on the M25 can lead to widespread delays and disruptions for both local commuters and long-distance travelers. This accident highlights the importance of staying informed about road conditions and having contingency plans in place for unexpected travel disruptions.

For the broader UK transport network, disruptions on such a critical route can create a ripple effect, delaying not only drivers on the M25 but also passengers using connecting routes and services. For business and leisure travelers, the key to managing these disruptions is to stay flexible, monitor real-time traffic updates, and adjust travel plans as necessary.

Key Points:

M25 Crash: A crash involving a car and lorry caused major traffic disruptions near Reigate, with delays of up to 20 minutes reported.
Diversions in Place: Travelers are advised to use alternative routes such as the A243 or A217 to avoid the area near Junction 8.
Business and Leisure Impact: Commuters and travelers to Reigate, Leatherhead, and surrounding areas may experience delays.
Recovery and Updates: Lanes on the M25 have reopened, but recovery work continues. Check official traffic updates for the latest news.

The crash on the M25 near Reigate highlights the unpredictable nature of road travel, especially on one of the UK's busiest motorways.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, stay informed about road conditions, and make use of alternative routes to ensure they reach their destinations on time.

By staying updated and allowing for extra travel time, travelers can minimize the impact of these delays.

References

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