M25 van fire causes eight-mile queues and 80-minute delays in Surrey
A van fire on the M25 in Surrey has caused eight miles of congestion, and delays of up to 80 minutes.
Traffic was stopped on the anticlockwise carriageway between junction 9 for Leatherhead and junction 8 for Reigate on Wednesday morning (November 4).
National Highways confirmed at 9.35am that traffic had been released in two of the motorway’s four lanes, but further work was needed before the remaining lanes could reopen.
“Traffic has been released in lanes 3 and 4 (of 4),” the government agency said.
“Lanes 1 and 2 remain closed for the road surface to be treated.”
National Highways reported delays of 80 minutes on the approach, with eight miles of congestion.
AA Traffic News also reported severe delays following the fire, with queues stretching back to junction 11 for Chertsey.
Its alert read: “Severe delays and two lanes closed due to spillage and earlier van fire on M25 Anticlockwise after J9 A243 (Leatherhead).”
The AA said traffic had been stopped from 7.40am for almost two hours.
National Highways’ initial update, posted at 8.15am, said the road was blocked by a van fire and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service was at the scene. At that stage, drivers faced delays of 30 minutes and four miles of congestion.
By 9.25am, the fire had been extinguished, but traffic remained stationary while recovery and clean-up work took place. Delays had increased to 48 minutes, with six miles of queues.
“The fire has been put out,” National Highways said.
“Vehicle recovery & clear up works are underway.”
Responding to a motorist who said they had been sitting in traffic for an hour, the agency explained that crews were clearing debris and checking the carriageway.
“The fire has been extinguished, and crews are working to clear the debris and to make sure the carriageway is safe for traffic to pass,” it said.