The M4 in west London near Heathrow Airport has fully reopened after a two-vehicle collision caused three miles of congestion overnight, as a thick fog continues to affect visibility across parts of England.
Videos shared on social media showed cars at a standstill on the motorway late on Sunday, November 8, with drivers struggling to see through the dense fog. National Highways, which manages English motorways, reported the road was blocked westbound between Junction 3 (Harrow) and Junction 4 (Heathrow Airport) at around 11:30pm.
Crash Details and Congestion
In an update, National Highways said: "M4 westbound in Greater London between J3 Harrow and J4 Heathrow Airport. Road is blocked due a collision between two cars. Police are on scene and vehicle recovery crews are en route. Current delays of 30 minutes on approach to the incident, with three miles of congestion."
The crash caused delays of approximately 30 minutes for drivers approaching the scene, with three miles of congestion reported. The road was cleared in the early hours of Monday morning, November 9.
Heathrow Warning to Passengers
Heathrow Airport took to social media to advise passengers travelling to the airport to allow extra time for their journeys. 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," the spokesperson added.
Met Office Fog Warning and Advice
The Met Office 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. A similar warning was also in place in Northern Ireland overnight.
Experts warned: "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."
In its advice to drivers, the Met Office said: "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."
