London travel news LIVE: Warning ahead of M25 closure as driver overtime ban hits train services
LIVE – Updated at 07:41
Motorists have been warned of lengthy delays as part of the M25 closes for the weekend from 9pm on Friday.
The motorway – which is Britain’s busiest – will be closed in both directions between junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey until 6am on Monday while concrete beams for a new bridge are installed.
The RAC has advised drivers on the route, especially those going on days out to attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures, that they should take extra food and drinks on their journey.
Diversion routes will take cars on a 19-mile journey on A roads, crossing from Surrey into London’s Ulez area, though National Highways has assured drivers “no enforcement action will be taken”.
But the highways authority said anyone who ignores official diversion signs in an attempt to find shorter alternative routes will be liable for the £12.50 daily Ulez fee if their vehicle does not meet minimum emissions standards.
Meanwhile train companies have warned of amended timetables due to the overtime ban being observed by Aslef drivers.
Southern, Thameslink & Great Northern are aong the services affected, with the Gatwick Express not operating at all.Scroll down for the latest travel updates across London’s travel network.
Drivers told to pack extra food and drink
07:32 , Will Mata
Drivers have been told to pack extra food and drink on their journeys on the M25 as parts of the motorway close for the weekend.
The RAC gave the warning, according to the Mail, with journey times expected to be much longer than normal in some cases.
Alice Simpson, of the RAC, said: “As this next M25 weekend closure immediately follows major national rail strikes which could see many more people take to the roads, it could be up to six days of disrupted travel for London’s drivers.
“Anyone heading to Chessington World of Adventures, which is close to the official A3 diversion route, should expect delays and pack extra food and drink in the event they’re on the road longer than expected.”
Two Tube stations closed on Friday morning
07:27 , Will Mata
Mornington Crescent and Clapham South Tube stations are both closed on Friday morning.
Transport for London said that this is due to the unavailability of station staff, in both cases.
Kentish Town is also closed due to a long standing work project.
Croydon Tramlink part suspended due to ‘damaged wheels’
07:25 , Will Mata
Transport for London has taken several trams out of service due to damanged wheels which has led to a partial suspension on Friday.
As of 7.20am, there is no service between East Croydon and New Addington, Elmers End and Beckenham Junction.
The BBC has reported that the incident was caused by unknown debris on the track.
Tramlink trams stop at East Croydon (PA Archive)