Hi Friends, We're going to Chichester/Bognor Regis in March, my question is, is the M25 as bad as I hear it is? if so what is the best route avoiding it! We start on the M1 Southbound. thanks all.
Regards, John.
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I think you have been listening to too many stories. Thousands of people use it every day. It is VERY busy but generally flows ok. If there is an incident the traffic will back up but it is a very useable route.
Dependant on time of day/week. Weekdays, unless you are passing Luton by before 6am then try & stick to a window of between 10am & 2pm or after 8pm. Weekends outside bank hols should keep moving ok at most times. As pointed out your worst delay is likely to be caused by accidents.
Hi
We normally travel down to Brighton from Manchester via M40 , M25, M23 and find that the anti-clockwise section from Heathrow to M23 to be a bit of a pain if its busy, and like others say Accidents. A good run from the airport to M23 is approx 45 mins whilst it has also taken us 90 mins to do the same distance. Presume you will be cutting off somewhere prior to M23 for Bognor maybe M3. This is towing the van .
Just depends on day of weeks and level of traffic etc.
Sit back calm down and watch everybody else hurrying along.
take it easy.
Chrisv W
It's not that bad really, just very very busy. I'm always inclined to go anticlock, find it better than Dartford crossing, if marginally longer. Sometimes slows to a crawl thro pure weight of traffic but be patient and jog along and you'll be fine....Mick
It is busy just take your time don't rush or panic. We were worried the first time we went that way. We usually leave home very early or a travel on a Sunday.
I was going to look for a different route but it is better not to.
We have had to drive to Stanstead a few times but again just take it steady there are always those that speed and change lanes in front of you.
As long as you know your route don't worry . It's not that bad .
I towed for the first time on the M25 last year, it was an eye opener! It was everyman for himself, everyone seemed to be in a rush and even when I left a safe braking space someone would get into it and brake! I wouldn't change my route(we plan to go to the South East this year again) but do however keep your wits about you, it was a relief to me when I finally got back onto the M40 and headed back north!
I agree with Tentz although things must have improved for 6am to be ok at Luton?!...what? even on a Monday??
Used it north bound onto M1 a week last Thursday from Heathrow starting at 8:30pm, clear as a bell and passed Toddington Services at 9pm?...I thought the clock had stopped!! lol
Used it a few times, use some common sense with your timing and its as good as any other road. Arrive at 5pm on a weekday and expect a queue. That's not unique to the M25 though. There are long sections of most motorways that get busy at peak periods.
Echo all the above . We travel regularly down M1/M25 down toi Sussex towing and solo from Sheffield. Best time 4 hours ,worst nearly 8 due to accident on M25. Just allow yourself plenyt of time ,accept there may be delays and let other people dodge in and out of the lanes . Services at Cobham are now open if you need a break. Cheers Siobhan.
I live 2 miles off of Junction 8. Have to use the M25 quite a lot. C.van in storage also down M23.
If I go to my sis in Harlow Essex we leave at 9.30am and not too bad; unless as what is already said a problem on the road.
Coming home from her we travel after 8-9pm starting off or even later . Then we have also come away at 1.30pm and not too bad at all. As between times of workers & schools out.
After the workers flexi core time 10am & schools earlier.
As for Sundays; we always come home in mid-July after our 10 weeks away on Sunday. making sure we are NOT around Blue Water + Lakeside before 11am & after 3.30pm so you do not collide with the shoppers wanting to get there & leaving it. They are very heavy traffic areas. Reaching the Elizabeth bridge by 1pm suits us fine.
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