Dense fog forces London commuters to delay journeys
Met Office yellow warning and Heathrow advice mean extra travel time and caution on roads this morning
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The Met Office announced a yellow warning for dense fog across London and much of England and eastern Wales, lasting until 11:00 on Monday. Visibility could fall to less than 50 metres, making driving hazardous. Heathrow Airport added that drivers heading to the airport should plan for a longer journey because overnight fog has reduced road visibility.
Met Office warning and expected conditions
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The warning covers an area stretching from Canterbury to Cardiff and from Hull to St Asaph, encompassing the capital. The Met Office said fog may linger in patches into the afternoon, although it should gradually lift after the morning rush. The agency advises motorists to check road conditions before setting off and to use fog lights when visibility is severely reduced.
Impact on road travel
The reduced sightlines have already contributed to a 30‑car pile‑up on the M20 in Kent, leaving two people seriously injured, as reported by the BBC. A separate 19‑car collision on the A303 in Hampshire was also linked to the same weather. The RAC recommends increasing stopping distances, while the AA stresses the danger of following the rear lights of the vehicle ahead.
A2 drivers face overnight junction closures
Drivers travelling between London and Kent should expect disruption on eastbound slip roads.
One of the biggest mistakes is simply following the rear lights of the car in front. It can give you a false sense of security and means you may be travelling too close to react safely if that vehicle suddenly stops.
Edmund King, AA president
Heathrow advice for drivers
Heathrow Airport posted on X that passengers should check with their airline before leaving home and drive with care. The airport’s statement said drivers should allow extra time for the journey because fog has already affected visibility on surrounding roads.
What residents can do
Commuters are urged to allow additional travel time, consider alternative routes, and keep a larger gap behind the vehicle in front. Public‑transport users should check service updates, as buses, trains and flights may experience delays or cancellations while the fog persists.
The Met Office expects the fog to clear gradually through the morning, with isolated pockets possibly remaining into the afternoon. Drivers should stay alert to changing conditions and follow official advice until visibility improves.
Questions this report answers
+What warning has the Met Office issued for London?
The Met Office has issued a yellow dense‑fog warning for London and surrounding regions, running until 11:00 on Monday. The warning means visibility may drop below 50 metres, prompting drivers to exercise extra caution.
+How is the fog affecting travel to Heathrow Airport?
Heathrow Airport has asked drivers to allow extra time because overnight fog reduced visibility on roads leading to the airport. Passengers are also advised to check with their airline before departing and to drive carefully.
+What did AA president Edmund King say about driving in fog?
Edmund King told motorists to adapt their speed and avoid following the rear lights of the car ahead, warning that this can give a false sense of security and reduce the time needed to react if the vehicle stops suddenly.
+Are there any injuries linked to the fog this morning?
A 30‑car collision on the M20 in Kent, attributed to the dense fog, left two people seriously injured, according to BBC reporting. A separate incident on the A303 also involved multiple vehicles.
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