M23 Shut Near Gatwick After Police Incident Causes Long Delays
This morning brought major disruption for drivers heading towards Gatwick Airport, as the M23 was suddenly closed due to what’s being described as a “police-led incident.” The closure began just after 6am between junction 8, where the M23 meets the M25, and junction 9 for Gatwick. At first, traffic was stopped in both directions, leaving vehicles stranded on the motorway. The northbound side did reopen shortly after 8am, but the southbound stretch towards the airport has stayed shut for much longer, and drivers have been warned to expect several more hours of delays.
At its peak, queues stretched for around six miles, with congestion spilling back onto the M25. In fact, delays of up to 45 minutes were being reported on the M25 itself, with knock-on effects felt on diversion routes such as the A22 and A23. Even towns like Copthorne, Felbridge, and East Grinstead have seen unusually heavy traffic because so many drivers are trying to reroute.
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Police have confirmed that they were called to a “concern for safety” just after 6am, and officers have remained on the scene since then. Details about the nature of the incident haven’t been released, but the motorway has stayed closed in the southbound direction while the situation is managed. Some vehicles caught up in the closure have been released slowly in lane four, though progress has been painfully slow for many.
For passengers travelling to Gatwick Airport, the disruption has been particularly stressful. A spokesperson for Gatwick has advised anyone heading there to allow significantly more time for their journey, with diversions firmly in place but moving slowly. National Highways has echoed that advice, urging people to plan ahead, reroute if possible, or even delay travel if their schedules allow.
Drivers who found themselves stuck since the early morning have described the frustration online. One motorist said they’d been stationary since about 6.20am, while police walked along the motorway advising people to remain in their vehicles. Others reported confusion and uncertainty about when they might be able to move again.
According to traffic monitors, normal conditions aren’t expected until mid-afternoon, meaning the disruption could carry on for most of the day. For now, the southbound stretch of the M23 between the M25 and Gatwick remains closed, diversions are heavily congested, and delays continue to ripple far beyond the immediate area.
So, if you or anyone you know is travelling today, especially towards Gatwick, it would be wise to leave much earlier than planned—or, if possible, wait until the evening before setting off. This is one of those days where patience really is the only option.
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