Drivers warned over Ulez fines during M25 closure

A section of the M25 will close at the weekend

Drivers could incur penalty charges under London's ultra low emission zone (Ulez) rules if they stray off official diversion routes during this weekend's M25 closure.

National Highways said anyone ignoring the diversion signs while trying to find shorter routes could be subject to the £12.50 daily fee if their vehicle does not meet emissions standards.

This can increase to a £180 fine if there is a failure to pay, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

The M25 will be closed in both directions between junctions nine and 10 in Surrey from 21:00 BST on Friday until 06:00 on Monday, 13 May.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area if possible.

Diversion routes will take cars on a 19-mile journey on A roads, crossing from Surrey into London's Ulez area.

National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade said: "Although the [Ulez] cameras will be active, no enforcement action will be taken.

"However, if you ignore the diversion signs and do your own thing, then if your vehicle's not compliant, you do run the risk of getting caught."

The RAC has advised drivers not to rely on sat navs as they may direct people onto roads where the Ulez is being enforced.

This weekend will see the second of five planned closures of the M25 on sections connecting with junction 10 as part of a £317m improvement project.

This phase will see concrete beams for a new bridge and a gantry lifted into place.

Traffic on diversion routes during the last weekend closure in March "weren't near as dire as you might expect", Mr Wade said at the time.

This weekend, he said there was a "very real" risk the previous lack of disruption meant some motorists would not heed warnings to replan journeys.

Ulez restrictions will not be enforced on the diversion route

Other stretches of the M25 will also be disrupted this weekend due to ongoing work to retrofit additional emergency stopping areas on smart motorway sections.

Mr Wade said the work on junction 10 could be halted if it runs behind schedule, as "we wouldn't jeopardise opening the M25 on Monday morning".

Three more weekend closures will take place between August and the end of the year. The project, due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes and make it easier to enter and exit the M25 at junction 10.