Motorists are being warned of traffic chaos on the busy M25 motorway this morning following a vehicle fire which has caused "severe delays".
The M25 anti-clockwise in Hertfordshire is closed between J25 Waltham Cross Interchange (Enfield, Hertford A10) and J24 Potters Bar Interchange (Potters Bar, A111).
It follows a serious vehicle fire, with images showing a large lorry transporting hay at the side of the road.
Patrols from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, London Fire Service and National Highways remain at the scene.
National Highways has urged drivers to consider their journeys this morning
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Traffic maps show that drivers travelling along the M25 could face long delays of at least 120 minutes.
National Highways: East reports that there are around 13 miles of congestion from J27, with a diversion route already being set out
Traffic experts Inrix said: "Congestion to J27 M11, and heavy diverting down the M11 and around the North Circular.
"After being stopped for an hour and a half, with smoke from a lorry carrying hay bales. Letting some traffic past in lane four now, but it will take a long time to get moving further back."
Drivers are being warned of long delays on the M25 this morning
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A spokesperson for Highways England reported that the accident was due to a "multi-vehicle collision".
A diversion route has been set out by National Highways, although this could present certain drivers with issues.
There is a 4.7m (15.4') low bridge on the diversion route, with drivers of vehicles over the height advised to use alternative routes.
Motorists will also be taken into London's Ultra Low Emission Zone, which could see motorists charged if their vehicles do not meet emissions standards.
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The vehicle fire has caused long delays along the M25
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Vehicles could be charged £15 to drive inside the zone if their petrol or diesel vehicles fail to meet the emissions standards set out by Transport for London.
Petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles must ensure their engines are Euro 4, while diesel vehicles must be Euro 6.
London Fire Brigade said: "Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire involving a lorry on the M25 between Junction 24 and Junction 25 westbound. The lorry was carrying bales of hay, which were partly damaged by the fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
"Control Officers took the first of 15 calls at 0526 and mobilised crews from Enfield fire stations to the scene. Two fire engines from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.
"The incident was over at 08.41am. The cause of the fire is under investigation."
Traffic is slowly being let through the M25 carriageway closure
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Drivers should follow the route marked with a hollow square symbol on local road signs
- Exit at J25 of the M25
- At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A10 southbound
- Continue on the A10 to the Great Cambridge Junction with the A406 North Circular
- Follow the A406 North Circular westbound to the junction with the A1
- Turn right on the A1 northbound
- Remain on the A1 northbound to J23 of the M25
- At the roundabout, take the first exit to re-join the M25 anti-clockwise