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
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A crash on the M25 clockwise carriageway near Watford has caused long delays for drivers travelling through north-west London. The collision, involving two vehicles, occurred at 07:45 near junction 19 for the A41. One lane remains closed, with traffic queuing back to junction 18.
National Highways confirmed the incident and said recovery teams were on site. A spokesperson told *This Is Local London* that the road is expected to reopen by 14:00, though delays may persist as traffic clears. Drivers have been urged to avoid the area if possible.
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.
Impact on local routes
The closure affects commuters heading towards Watford, Bushey and surrounding areas. Traffic cameras show queues stretching for at least three miles. Some drivers have reported delays of up to 90 minutes, according to social media posts cited by *This Is Local London*.
Local authorities have not issued formal diversions, but drivers are advised to use the A41 or M1 as alternative routes. Transport for London (TfL) said no major disruptions have been reported on adjacent bus services, though some delays are possible.
M25 closure after car fire near Dartford strands Barnet commuters
All lanes shut between junctions 2 and 4 on 3 August 2026 caused delays of up to two hours for drivers heading to Kent
What happens next
National Highways will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via its traffic England website. The recovery operation is expected to last several hours, with the lane closure remaining in place until debris is cleared and the vehicles are removed.
Drivers are advised to check real-time traffic apps or listen to local radio for updates. No injuries have been reported, but the cause of the collision remains unclear. Police have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be brought.
Questions this report answers
+How long will the M25 delays last?
National Highways expects the closed lane to reopen by 14:00, but traffic may remain slow as queues clear. Drivers should allow extra time or use alternative routes like the A41 or M1.
+Which junction is affected by the M25 crash?
The crash occurred near junction 19 for the A41, with traffic queuing back to junction 18. The clockwise carriageway is partially closed, affecting drivers heading towards Watford.
+Are there any injuries from the M25 crash?
No injuries have been reported. The collision involved two vehicles, but details about the cause or any charges remain unclear. National Highways is managing the recovery operation.
+What alternative routes can I take to avoid the M25 delays?
Drivers are advised to use the A41 or M1 as alternative routes. No formal diversions have been issued, but real-time traffic apps or local radio can provide updates on the best options.
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