M11 traffic blocked in both directions after two crashes near Stansted

Drivers have been caught in traffic mayhem on the M11 in Essex after two crashes near London Stansted Airport.

Part of the M11 is blocked in both directions after two collisions between junction J8 (Stansted Airport) and J9.

Motorists heading to the airport and beyond have been warned of a five-mile queue southbound, and seven miles of congestion northbound.

National Highways said that emergency services and traffic officers are on the scene.

One driver said on social media: ‘We’re stuck in that traffic and wondered what was happening.’

It comes as millions of people will travel on the UK’s roads today and over the weekend for the summer holidays.

Around 2.7 million journeys are planned today alone, and motoring experts have labelled this the ‘Frantic Friday.’

Nick Mullender, the RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs team leader, said: ‘Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic, but this year we’re expecting ‘midweek mayhem’ as schools finish for summer.

‘We typically see a peak on ‘Frantic Friday’ when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned. To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours.’

Other traffic hotspots that could see congestion this weekend include the M5 northbound J25 to J15, and M25 anticlockwise between J4 to Dartford Crossing, the RAC warned.

The worst time to travel today is between 10am and 7pm, the motoring expert said.

Drivers might want to steer clear of the roads tomorrow between 10am and 5pm to avoid the peak holiday traffic, labelled the ‘Saturday scramble.’

Around three million journeys are expected tomorrow alone, followed by another 2.7 million trips on Sunday.

Roads near Wembley Stadium are set to be packed with closures in place ahead of the Oasis reunion concert tonight and tomorrow.

Almost 100,000 people will travel to the northwest London venue, where Oasis is returning for the first time in 16 years.

Roads surrounding the stadium are expected to close from 1pm, with concertgoers advised to use the Tube, train and coaches to get to the gig for the 3pm gate opening.

If you have a ferry to catch, roads leading to the UK passenger ports can become clogged up by traffic.

Traffic towards the Port of Dover is ‘generally very busy’ this morning, traffic analyst Inrix said.

It warned of queues on the A256 Woolcomber Street eastbound towards the port after an earlier crash.

The Port of Dover said on social media that tourist traffic for the P&O Ferries is queuing, while traffic for the Irish Ferries and DFDS is ‘free flowing’ shortly before midday.

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