11 July 2024
The AA has renewed its travel advice to football fans planning to join friends in London and those making a last-minute trip to Germany ahead of Sunday’s European Football Championships final.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead by finding an alternative route which avoids the affected closed section of the M25, and to check for updates with channel crossing operators before setting off.
"We advise drivers to plan their journey accordingly, avoiding the west side of the M25 if possible, and to check ferry and tunnel operator’s websites for updates before setting off."
Some fans heading to Germany are changing their travel plans to drive as flights to Berlin sold out after the final whistle which confirmed England’s place in the final. Even flights to all Germany’s main cities up to six hours away on the train more than quadrupled in price.
The M25 section between Junction 10 (North bound A3 to Painshill Junction) and Junction 11 (A320 ) will be shut in both directions from 9pm Friday 12 July to 6am Monday 15 July 2024 meaning a 10-mile diversion will be in place using the A3, A240 and A245, potentially impacting the following:
The local diversion route is the same for both directions:
Junction 10 to Junction 11
North bound A3 to Painshill Junction, A245 towards Woking, and then A320 to M25 Junction 11.
Junction 11 to Junction 10
A320 south towards Woking, A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill junction, Southbound A3 to Junction 10.
Avoiding the closure by taking the M25 via the Dartford Crossing may also be quicker.
In addition to watching the football, many families who have seen most of their summer plans rained off so far, will likely want to make up for lost time by heading to attractions such as Thorpe Park and Legoland as weather conditions look set to improve – but may face lengthy delays as they navigate the planned M25 closures.
All drivers are advised to stick to the signed diversion routes to avoid any Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges that may usually apply. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekend. As a result, roads around Ottershaw, Sheerwater, Byfleet, Cobham and Painshill are likely to be much busier than usual.
Drivers of over-height vehicles are advised to visit the National Highways website for information on an alternative route.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “With many football fans changing their plans following England’s victory over Holland, it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London, particularly the M25 Junctions 10 to 11 as well as major ports. We advise drivers to plan their journey accordingly, avoiding the west side of the M25 if possible, and to check ferry and tunnel operator’s websites for updates before setting off.
“Prepare your vehicle before setting off by checking oil and coolant levels, tyres and make sure you have enough fuel or electric charge to cover the planned diversions. Also, pack plenty of cold drinks and snacks for passengers.
“Our advice to drivers making a last-minute trip to Germany without tickets for the game is to make sure they have all the correct documentation and to check for parking and fan zone updates local to the area they’re heading to, as travel and visitor restrictions are highly likely to be in place.”
Detailed travel alternatives are provided on websites for events and destinations:
M25 junction 10 - National Highways
Roadworks - Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
Travel Directions & Information | Thorpe Park Resort
Get Directions to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
London (Greater London) weather - Met Office
Euro 2024 in London: 29 Best Screenings, Fan Zones & Where to Watch (timeout.com)
Euro 2024 - Germany travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Event guide: Berlin | UEFA EURO 2024 | UEFA.com
Hull Ferry Terminal | Travelling With Us | P&O Ferries (poferries.com)