Key Points
- Section of motorway near Hillingdon closed after multiple collisions in icy conditions
- Police and highway authorities warn of hazardous driving conditions due to ice
- Drivers urged to avoid the area and follow diversions while recovery takes place
A section of the M25 near Hillingdon was closed after a series of collisions in icy conditions, with police and highways officers responding to “multiple collisions” and warning motorists of extremely hazardous driving conditions while the carriageway was made safe and vehicles recovered, according to local and regional media reports.
What do we know about the motorway closures and collisions?
According to reporting by regional news outlets covering west London, a stretch of the M25 in the Hillingdon area was shut following several separate collisions attributed to ice on the road surface. Emergency services were called to the scene in the early hours, and the motorway was initially fully or partially closed to allow access for police, ambulance and recovery teams.
As reported by news teams for local west London media of regional outlets, officers at the scene described “multiple collisions” involving several vehicles, with driving conditions deteriorating rapidly as temperatures dropped below freezing and ice formed on untreated or insufficiently treated sections of the carriageway.
How did weather and road conditions contribute to the incidents?
Regional weather forecasts had warned of sub-zero temperatures overnight and a risk of ice on untreated roads, particularly on exposed motorway stretches around the capital and the Home Counties. According to coverage by London-based outlets, conditions on the affected section of the M25 became treacherous as overnight moisture and residual surface water froze, reducing grip and increasing braking distances.
What have authorities and highways agencies said about the icy conditions?
Reporting by transport correspondents for national and regional media states that highways authorities confirmed gritting operations had been under way across the network, but that sudden localised ice patches can still develop where temperatures fall quickly or where traffic disperses grit unevenly. Police advised motorists to reduce speed, increase stopping distances and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of ice risk, particularly on motorways and high-speed routes.
What are the impacts for drivers and what happens next?
Media reports state that diversions were put in place around the closed section of the M25 near Hillingdon, with drivers advised to use alternative routes and to allow additional journey time while recovery vehicles cleared damaged cars and safety inspections were carried out on the carriageway. Congestion built up on surrounding roads as traffic was diverted away from the motorway.
According to regional and national outlets, the affected section of motorway was expected to reopen once debris had been removed and the road surface was confirmed safe, with further gritting planned where necessary. Police and highways officials have urged drivers to monitor travel updates, heed weather warnings and take extra care in coming days as cold conditions and the risk of ice on major routes persist.
