Drivers face £50 fine for 'following their satnav' from Friday to Monday

Drivers have been issued an urgent ULEZ warning as a major UK motorway looks set to close for 57 hours. The M25 will close from 9pm on Friday, May 10 to 6am on Monday, May 13 between junctions nine and 10 and drivers have been warned to stick to the official diversion or face a fine.

National Highways has warned drivers will otherwise be liable for the £50 charge if they follow their satnav across all four days (with a £12.50 daily charge). Jonathan Wade, a National Highways senior project manager, told the PA news agency: “Although the cameras will be active, no enforcement action will be taken.

"However, if you ignore the diversion signs and do your own thing, then if your vehicle’s not compliant, you do run the risk of getting caught.” Responding to the warning, a driver said: "Just have to hope that the diversion is well signed, last time I was down there the signage was appalling, signs were low at the side of the road and you couldn't see them for trucks."

READ MORE UK braced for heatwave later this week but only 'half' of England will be hit

A second said: "Same happened to me! Boxed in by hgv, saw no signage but appeared to be heading for Central London. Saw a normal sign for the A1, which deviated from their route, took it northwards to get out but got prosecuted. They must makeexra millions cheating road users!"

"correct, i am travelling at 4am this weekend coming and the last time i did that i had to rely on both the signs and my sat nav as the signage was inadequate," another fumed. "It's at moments like this I'm glad I left the London area," another commented.

The M25 between junction 9 and 10 will be closed in both directions to install a new bridge. A 19-mile diversion route will be in place which uses the A3 and the A240.