The M23 is shut southbound due to a police incident near Gatwick Airport. Traffic was initially held in both directions on the motorway from 6.20am between the M25 (Junction 8) and the airport (Junction 9).
Traffic cameras at the scene show officers initially blocked both sides of the motorway, before the northbound route was eventually reopened at 8.30am
A diversion route is in place to avoid the closure from the M25 via the A243, A24 and A264.
A statement from Surrey Police, before the road reopened, reads: “Police were called to a concern for safety on the M23 between junctions 8 and 9 just after 6am this morning (10 September).
“Officers are still on scene, and the road is currently closed in both directions. We are asking people to avoid the area at this time. Thank you for your patience, we will update in due course.”
Many drivers took to social media to vent about being stuck in traffic. One person wrote on Facebook: “Been here since around 6.20am, the police have just walked down the motorway saying something along the lines of ‘remain in your vehicle, we are looking to open lane 4 on the northbound carriage way’.
“I am guessing to turn us around he was walking and talking so couldn’t quite make it out 100% as I was in my car.”
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