Major clean-up underway following crash between Godstone and Chevening
A serious crash on the M25 has triggered travel chaos this morning, as an overturned waste lorry caused a massive oil and diesel spillage, shutting down part of the motorway and sparking severe delays for commuters.
The incident occurred around 3.45am on Wednesday on the anticlockwise carriageway between Junction 6 (Godstone) and Junction 5 (Chevening). The heavy goods vehicle collided with another lorry, tipping over and spreading oil, fuel and waste across the busy motorway.
National Highways has confirmed that the scale of the spillage is “large” and described the clean-up operation as “extensive and complex”.
“Traffic caught within the closure has now cleared. Accident investigations are now taking place,” the agency added.
Crews are now working to resurface the road following the hazardous spill, which brought traffic to a complete standstill during the morning rush.
45-Minute Delays and Disruption to Nearby Routes
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were among the emergency teams at the scene. A spokesperson said:
“The road has been closed and is likely to be for some time, which will affect rush hour traffic on surrounding roads. Please avoid the area and allow extra time for your journey. Thanks to our partners who are also in attendance.”
Motorists are being urged to steer clear of the area, with delays of up to 45 minutes reported. Drivers should follow the Hollow Square diversion signs and exit the motorway at Junction 6, continuing along the A25 to rejoin later.
This disruption is not just a local issue. The M25 is a key artery for travellers heading to major transport hubs, including:
- Heathrow and Gatwick Airports
- The Port of Dover
- Eurotunnel terminals
Thousands of journeys could be affected if the closure continues through the day.
Drivers are being warned to plan ahead and prepare for significant disruption. With resurfacing works now required, it’s unclear how long the affected stretch of the M25 will remain shut. For now, patience and planning are key, as the road network struggles under the pressure of diverted traffic.
