Traffic chaos has hit the M23 north of Gatwick this morning after a serious single-vehicle crash forced police to shut the motorway. Commuters and holidaymakers are being rerouted as emergency teams work at the scene, and drivers are being warned to expect lengthy delays during one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Where the collision happened and who is responding
The incident occurred on the M23 northbound between junction 10, near Crawley, and junction 9 at London Gatwick Airport.
Sussex Police are leading the response, supported by National Highways traffic officers who remain on site.
Authorities say the carriageway will be closed for several hours while investigators and emergency crews carry out their duties.
How bad the delays are and what drivers face
Motorists are being warned of severe hold-ups. National Highways has reported congestion stretching for miles.
Expect delays of more than 90 minutes in addition to roughly five miles of slow-moving traffic in the area.
- Queueing traffic is building on approach to the closure.
- Local roads near Gatwick may also become busier as drivers seek alternatives.
- Public transport and airport timetables could be affected by onward delays.
Official guidance and what to do if you’re affected
Authorities are asking road users to follow diversion signs and to remain patient. Traffic officers are managing traffic flow and offering assistance.
Drivers should obey the solid square diversion symbol shown on road signs to navigate safely around the closure.
Step-by-step diversion route to follow
- Leave the M23 at junction 10.
- At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the eastbound A264.
- Follow the A264 until you meet the A22, then turn left onto the A22.
- Continue along the A22 to reach the M25 at junction 6.
- Join the M25 clockwise and travel to junction 7.
- At M25 junction 7 rejoin the M23 and continue your journey northbound.
Why this closure matters during the Easter getaway
The crash comes as millions of drivers are already on the move for the Easter bank holiday. Higher volumes of leisure travel increase the strain on major routes.
Data from motoring groups and RAC estimates show heavy travel across the UK this holiday period.
- Approx. 2.3 million leisure trips were expected today.
- Good Friday is forecast to be particularly busy, with around 3.3 million journeys.
- About 6.7 million leisure trips are predicted across the bank holiday weekend.
- In total, nearly 21 million leisure journeys are planned for the holiday period.
Practical tips for drivers planning to travel
- Check live traffic updates and navigation apps before starting your trip.
- Allow extra time if you must travel near Gatwick today.
- If possible, delay non-essential journeys until congestion eases.
- Follow official diversion signs rather than attempting unofficial shortcuts.
- Keep an emergency kit, water, and a charged phone in the vehicle.
What to expect from authorities as the scene clears
Emergency services will investigate the collision and clear the carriageway when it is safe to do so. Recovery operations and forensic work can prolong closures.
National Highways has said traffic officers will remain until the site is fully handed back to normal traffic management.
Drivers should monitor official channels for updates and be prepared for rolling delays on surrounding routes while the motorway reopens.
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