M25 crash near Barnet causes morning delays for commuters
A collision between two lorries on the M25 near Junction 23 triggered queues and lane closures on 16 May 2025.
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A crash on the M25 near Barnet brought early morning traffic to a standstill on 16 May 2025. Two lorries collided near Junction 23, which serves South Mimms and the A1(M), at approximately 6:45 a.m. One lane of the motorway remained closed for three hours, creating long queues for drivers heading towards London or the M1.
National Highways, the agency responsible for England’s motorways, confirmed the incident in a statement to This Is Local London. A spokesperson said the crash involved two heavy goods vehicles and that recovery teams were on scene to clear the debris. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant disruption during the morning rush hour.
M25 overnight closures start 3 August between junctions 8 and 9
National Highways confirms diversions on the clockwise carriageway and anti-clockwise slip road at junction 13
Impact on local residents and commuters
Drivers travelling from Barnet, Potters Bar, and surrounding areas faced delays as tailbacks stretched back to the A1(M). Traffic monitoring services reported queues of up to two miles, with some journeys taking an additional 45 minutes. The closure affected those commuting into central London, as well as freight traffic heading north.
Local resident Sarah Chen, who commutes daily to Enfield, told This Is Local London she was delayed by 35 minutes. "I left at my usual time, but the traffic was crawling by the time I reached the junction. It’s frustrating when these incidents happen during peak hours," she said.
M25 crash near Watford creates long delays for north-west London drivers
One lane remains closed on the clockwise carriageway after a collision between two vehicles this morning
What happens next
National Highways has not yet released details on the cause of the crash or whether any charges will be filed. The agency advised drivers to check its website or traffic apps for real-time updates on motorway conditions. Recovery teams completed the clearance by 9:45 a.m., but residual delays persisted for another hour.
Questions this report answers
+How long was the M25 closed after the crash?
One lane of the M25 near Barnet’s Junction 23 was closed for three hours following the crash on 16 May 2025. Recovery teams cleared the debris by 9:45 a.m., but delays continued for another hour.
+Were there any injuries in the M25 crash?
National Highways confirmed no serious injuries were reported after the collision between two lorries on 16 May 2025. The agency did not provide further details on minor injuries or damage.
+How can drivers check for updates on M25 traffic?
Drivers can monitor real-time traffic updates on the National Highways website or via traffic apps. The agency advised checking these sources for further disruptions following the crash near Junction 23.
+Which areas were most affected by the M25 delays?
The crash near Barnet’s Junction 23 caused tailbacks stretching to the A1(M), affecting commuters from Barnet, Potters Bar, and surrounding areas. Journeys towards London or the M1 faced the longest delays.
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