Ahead of the M25 closing for the third time this year, the RAC is advising drivers to be ‘road ready’ or find alternative methods of transport if heading to London and its major airports between Friday 12 to Monday 15 July.

National Highways will shut part of the M25 for a third time between junctions 10 and 11 for the construction and installation of a bridge on the western gyratory of the roundabout at Junction 10. The section of motorway will be closed between 9pm on Friday 12 to 6am on Monday 15 July to avoid further weeknight closures, which National Highways say would otherwise extend delays.

With festivals such as Wireless and British Summer Time at Hyde Park taking place in London the same weekend, alongside usual traffic from holidaymakers heading to Gatwick and Heathrow airports, the RAC encourages drivers to plan well ahead if journeys are essential or even use public transport if they’re heading into the city.

National Highways is asking drivers to follow official diversion signs rather than using their sat-navs to navigate the closures.

From the South

Drivers coming from the south should exit the M25 at junction 10 and take the third exit north on the A3 to the Painshill junction which joins the A245. Traffic should follow the A245 towards Woking and Byfleet then take the fifth exit at the Six Crossroads roundabout to the A320, continuing to junction 11 on the M25 where the diversion ends.

From the North

Those coming from the north should follow the same route in the opposite diversion, leaving the M25 at junction 11, taking the third exit to the A320 south towards Woking, then the A245 towards Byfleet at the Six Crossroads Roundabout. Drivers wanting to get back to junction 10 should continue on the A245 to the A3 at Painshill, then follow the third exit to the A3 southbound and back to the M25 at junction 10 where the diversion ends.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Following two successful M25 closures with no significant delays, there’s no reason why this weekend can’t go smoothly too, providing drivers plan their journeys well in advance and follow the official diversion routes.

“While anyone attending a festival in the city centre is likely to have an easier journey by train and tube, there are of course trips, such as going to the airport, where it’s far easier to travel by car, especially if you’re loaded with luggage. We’re asking holidaymakers to ensure they plan ahead, which means checking their route before they set off, leaving even earlier than usual and importantly, making sure their vehicles are road ready by checking the oil, coolant and tyres to give themselves the best chance of avoiding a breakdown.

“The RAC’s route planner can help you plan your journey in advance, as well as calculating fuel consumption, so you know if you’ll need to stop for fuel. Using the planner, drivers can also see live traffic updates along the way so they’ll know about any serious delays.”