The clockwise M25 was closed as police responded to "concerns for someone’s welfare".
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed officers shut the M25 today (February 21) “as a precaution” between junctions 18 and 20, near Watford.
Four miles of traffic and approximately half an hour of delays built on the stretch as it was closed for around 20 minutes at 5pm.
All lanes have now reopened, according to National Highways.
While the closure was in place, anticlockwise traffic was being diverted via the exit/entry slip roads to leave the motorway and then later re-join the M25 at J18.
All lanes are now open on the #M25 J18 - J20 near #Watford in both directions
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) February 21, 2023
The earlier @HertsPolice led incident has now cleared
Delays of approx. 30 minutes remain in both directions - with approx. 4 miles of congestion - both ways. pic.twitter.com/gDaJFuTIF8
National Highways described the closure as being due to a “Herts Police-led incident”.
- Police bust major drugs gang serving Watford as woman sentenced
- £5,000 worth of cigarettes stolen in shop burglary
- Get a Watford Observer digital subscription for just £1 | Watford Observer
A force spokesperson then confirmed officers were dealing with the "concern for welfare incident" near junction 18.
As of 5.45pm, Google Maps is now showing only around 10 minutes of delays.
Hertfordshire Constabulary has been contacted for more information. Updates to follow.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article