A heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver, who fell asleep at the wheel on the M25, has been fined over £700 for driving hours offences after his vehicle veered off the carriageway. The incident, which occurred yesterday morning around 06:30, led to the closure of the M25 in Essex, clockwise between Junctions 27 and 28. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, but authorities emphasize the potential for tragedy in such situations.
The driver’s lapse highlights the critical importance of routine HGV checks to ensure road safety. Essex Police and the National Highways Eastern Regional Operations Centre engaged in extensive discussions following the incident. They concluded that considering the vehicle’s location and cargo, as well as the duration needed for a safe recovery operation, a full daytime closure of the M25 would not be in the public’s best interest.
Recovery costs for the HGV are expected to be around £7,000. Once the vehicle is removed, National Highways service providers will assess and repair any damage to the nearside barrier.
Advised Diversion Routes:
With the M25 closure, road users are urged to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion symbol:
- From M25 Junction 27, exit onto the M11 towards London.
- At M11 Junction 4, merge onto the A406(S) North Circular Road.
- At the A406/A12 ‘Redbridge Interchange,’ take the A12, then the 2nd exit at the roundabout towards Chelmsford.
- Continue on the A12 towards Chelmsford, and at the A12/A127 ‘Gallows Corner,’ take the 2nd exit, staying on the A12 to the ‘Brook Street‘ roundabout.
- Finally, take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M25 at Junction 28 anticlockwise.
Motorists affected by the closure should plan for additional travel time, consider alternative routes, or delay their journey if necessary.
