Two vehicles collided on the M4 near Heathrow Airport in thick fog on Sunday night, causing three miles of tailbacks that brought motorway traffic to a standstill. A yellow weather warning for fog remains in force this morning, Monday, November 9.
Collision blocks M4 between junctions three and four
National Highways, the organisation responsible for English motorways, recorded three miles of congestion after the M4 "was blocked" by the two-car collision. A spokesperson confirmed that police and emergency recovery vehicles were dispatched to the scene between junctions three and four, near Heathrow Airport, at 11:30pm on Sunday night.
The motorway has since reopened after the crash.
Heathrow advises passengers to allow extra travel time
Heathrow Airport took to social media to urge passengers to factor in extra travel time to reach the terminal. A spokesperson said: "Overnight fog has affected visibility on roads around Heathrow and conditions may continue into this morning (Monday November 9)."
"If you're travelling to the airport, please allow extra time for your journey. We advise passengers to check with their airline before leaving home and to drive with care."
Met Office yellow fog warning covers large parts of England
The Met Office had already issued a yellow weather warning for fog from 6pm on Sunday to 10am on Monday, covering south east England, East Anglia, the Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire.
Experts cautioned: "Fog patches forming overnight and into Monday morning, may lead to disruption to travel."
"Slower journey times with delays to bus and train services possible. There is a chance of delays or cancellations to flights."
A similar warning was also issued across Northern Ireland overnight.
Guidance for drivers and travellers
The Met Office released the following guidance on dealing with the fog: "Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, leaving extra journey time, or amending plans if necessary."
"Make sure you know how to switch on your fog lights, and check they are working before setting off on your journey. Bus and train services, as well as flights and ferry travel may also be affected; check for updates from your travel company and follow their advice."
"Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."
