Driving disruptions: Motorway closures up since 2022 with the M25 a major roadwork hotspot

13 May 2026

• Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance reveals that there were 6,000 motorway closures in England in 2025, part of an upward trend since 2022. *
• While junction 63 on the A1M northbound at Chester-Le-Street was closed most, last year four out of the 10 worst affected junctions were on the M25.
• The member-owned business also found that roadworks were by far the leading cause of closures in England.
• This comes as Co-op Insurance reminds drivers to ensure that they plan their journeys carefully and stay safe while driving.

Freedom of Information data reveals that there has been a 14% overall rise in the number of motorway closures since 2022, with the M25 a hotspot last year.

The findings obtained by Co-op Insurance from National Highways highlight that despite a welcome dip in 2025 from 2024’s spike, over 6,000 motorway closures were recorded across England, last year. This means that motorists faced an average of nearly 17 closures per day on the motorway network.

Further to this, the data also revealed motorway closure hotspots, with junction 63 of the A1(M) at Chester‑Le‑Street closed most for a second consecutive year. This was followed by the M25 clockwise between junction 24 at Potters Bar and junction 25 at Waltham Cross and the M53 between junction 5 and 4 on the Wirral.

Notably, four out of the top 10 junction locations with the highest number of road closures in 2025 were on the M25, particularly on the northern and eastern stretches of the capital’s orbital motorway.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the cause of closures on the road network, roadworks was the most common reason, followed by traffic collisions. However, the number of roadworks far exceeds that of recorded traffic collisions with more than 5,000 recorded compared to 379 incidents of the latter, highlighting that the former makes up the overwhelming majority of closures.

Road closures can lead to an increase in journey times and, therefore, tiredness among motorists, as well as potentially resulting in heightened stress or frustration. This can impair driving performance and safety, which raises the risk of accidents and incidents occurring.

As such, Co-op Insurance is reminding drivers to ensure they plan their journeys carefully, take regular breaks and carry out safety checks, so that they can anticipate disruptions and prepare for, what may be, a longer time spent behind the wheel.

Paul Evans, Head of Motor at Co-op Insurance:

“Whether it’s commuting, shopping or visiting loved ones, our motorway network is a vital part of so many people’s daily journeys.

“However, our findings show that motorway closure levels remain high and are particularly common on certain stretches of motorway, especially around London, which suggests that getting from A to B via the network can be challenging.

“We’re therefore urging drivers to plan their journeys carefully before they set off, so that they can be prepared for any road closures, avoid rushed or panicked decisions and safely navigate diversions.”

Find out more about Co-op Car Insurance

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Freedom of Information data from National Highways. * 6036 closures / 365 days 2025 ** 5243 incidents of roadworks and 379 traffic collisions

For more information please contact: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

About Co-op:

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about.

With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.