Mad Friday, the last working day for many Brits before Christmas, is finally upon us, bringing more congested roads and general travel chaos across the country.
Considered one of the most popular days for festive parties and general Christmas revelry, it’s also one of the busiest days on UK roads, with many starting to make the journey home for the seasonal holidays.
Revellers are being urged to exercise caution this evening, with the capital’s pubs and bars expected to be packed to capacity as staff cheers the start of the Christmas break.
It’s also one of the busiest days for ambulance and hospital workers, often as a result of the high-energy Christmas partying.
Mad Friday 2025 has already kicked off with some chaos in the capital, with Victoria Station being evacuated this morning over a fire warning.
Here, we’re bringing you all the latest travel updates for Mad Friday 2025.
Wishing everyone safe travels this evening
16:05 , Tamara DavisonWe’ll now be concluding our live blog of ‘Mad Friday’ travel.
Whether you’re taking the train or driving, it’s set to be a busy evening across London.
So plan ahead, check transport updates, and take care.
Happy Christmas everyone!
Traffic jam data revealed for London
16:00 , Tamara DavisonAccording to TomTom data, there are currently 447 traffic jams on London's travel routes.
This is based on official data collected from anonymous drivers within the urban area.
It’s unclear from the findings what exactly is measured as a traffic jam, but the data certainly shows that we’re in for a busy evening in the capital.
Travel warnings also issued for 'Super Saturday' traffic
15:49 , Tamara DavisonFurther warnings have been issued ahead of Saturday, when millions of Brits are expected to travel across the country, making it one of the busiest days of the year on UK roads.
According to Andy Marchant, TomTom’s traffic expert: “This year’s ‘Super Saturday’ is set to spark a surge in traffic across the UK, as last-minute shoppers and festive travellers hit the roads.”
Marchant added: "Last year, our data showed Edinburgh's congestion peaking at 76 per cent around midday. In London, the evening rush was particularly severe."
Minor delays continue on Underground services
15:39 , Tamara DavisonThere are still some delays to Bakerloo and Suffergette line services today.
But there is currently a good service on all other Underground and Overground lines for the time being.
More delays on the M25 due to a stalled vehicle
15:35 , Tamara DavisonFurther delays are being reported around Leatherhead at the moment due to an earlier stalled vehicle.
According to INRIX, traffic is slow but still moving.
Some flight delays departing London airports
15:30 , Tamara DavisonThere are a handful of flight delays departing from London airports today, amid strike action and a general festive rush.
At the time of writing, eight flights from Luton had minor delays.
There were a few flight delays from Heathrow to Dubai, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
A handful of easyJet and Wizz Air flights departing from Gatwick were also recording departure delays.
Congestion levels already higher than usual across London
15:22 , Tamara DavisonAccording to TomTom, congestion levels in London currently stand at 71%, which is 20% higher than usual for this time of day.
Trip data gathered by the organisation also reveals that vehicles are driving more slowly than usual, and trips are already taking slightly longer than expected.
As we head toward rush hour, expect this to increase.
Mitcham Junction delays expected until 4:30pm
15:11 , Tamara DavisonDelays to rail services passing through Mitcham Junction will continue until at least 4:30pm today.
According to National Rail: “No trains can run through Mitcham Junction towards London until further notice.”
“Trains which usually run between Sutton and London via Mitcham Junction will be delayed, or revised to run via a different route.”
Train delays reported at Mitcham
14:56 , Tamara DavisonNational Rail has revealed that there are currently lines blocked at Mitcham Junction as staff carry out a safety inspection.
As a result, we’re looking at a few delays to Thameslink and Southern services passing through this area.
We’ll keep monitoring this, and will bring you the latest updates.
Train disruption on route between Purley and Gatwick
14:45 , Tamara DavisonCommuters travelling between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport are being warned that journeys may take more than 20 minutes longer than usual.
It is due to a point failure between Purley and Gatwick Airport, disrupting journeys between these stations.
Minor delays continue on the Bakerloo and Suffragette lines
14:35 , Tamara DavisonThere are minor delays and part closures today on the Bakerloo line and Suffragette services.
There is currently no service operating between Queen's Park and Harrow & Wealdstone, and suspensions between Barking and Barking Riverside.
30 minute delays continue on M25 near Chertsey
14:20 , Tamara DavisonAccording to the National Highways South-East live feed, all lanes have been cleared following an earlier collision.
However, there are 30-minute delays above the normal travel time in the area, so allow extra journey time.
Motorists using the M1 can expect delays near St Albans
14:10 , Tamara DavisonThose heading out of London this afternoon via the M1 may face delays around St Albans.
Currently, all lanes have been stopped, and there are long delays due to a crash on M1 Northbound from J8 A414 to J9 A5183 Dunstable Road.
Some delays continue on parts of the M25
13:55 , Tamara DavisonThere are still some reports of delays and congestion on the M25. Around Cobham and Chertsey, there's some congestion due to an earlier crash, but all the lanes are now open.
Elsewhere near Potters Bar, one lane remains closed, and there is slow traffic due to a crash on the M25 clockwise after J24.
AA shares a message with motorists ahead of travel this Christmas
13:40 , Tamara DavisonShaun Jones from the AA is reminding drivers to plan ahead this week, ahead of what is expected to be a very busy week on the roads.
“We know drivers will be heading out for all sorts of festive fun — from pantomimes and Christmas markets to family visits and scenic walks,” he said.
“But with so many sleighs on the tarmac, patience will be your best present this year.
“Pack essentials, keep your tank or EV charge topped up, and don’t let congestion steal your Christmas sparkle. If you’re leaving your car parked over the festive period, start it for a few minutes every couple of days to ensure it’s ready for January.”
Last minute Christmas shopping? Plan ahead this weekend
13:30 , Tamara DavisonJust a quick reminder that this weekend will likely be pretty busy across London.
The London Standard has put together this guide with all the latest train and Underground closures planned for Saturday and Sunday.
London roads: A congestion snapshot
13:15 , Tamara DavisonHere’s a quick snapshot of today’s London roads, where we have quite a lot of road works and minor congestion at the moment.
Although we’ve made it through morning rush hour, there will likely be more travel chaos later in the day.
According to Shaun Jones, AA expert Patrol: “Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route, and allow extra time.”
Stop-start traffic on the North Circular
13:00 , Tamara DavisonTraffic is heavier than normal on the A12 and the A406 North Circular as we head into the afternoon.
Traffic is down to one lane on the A12, and congestion is expected to continue until at least 3pm.
Plan journeys ahead of time this afternoon, as traffic is expected to be generally heavier than usual.
London Ambulance Service braces for increased holiday chaos
12:50 , Tamara DavisonLondon Ambulance Service has issued a warning to Christmas revellers about staying safe this weekend.
Mad Friday gets its name not just from transport chaos but also from the drunken rowdiness associated with Christmas parties on this day.
Drinkers are being encouraged to watch their alcohol intake tonight and party responsibly, as ambulance services are likely to be pretty busy.
“Party season is no excuse for abuse” ❌
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) December 19, 2025
Drug and alcohol-related 999 calls are expected to surge this weekend as the festive party season hits its peak. @ldn_ambulance is urging the public to drink sensibly and treat our call handlers and crews with respect.
1/3 🔽 pic.twitter.com/OY72GtK0pd
Last minute shopping and family visit driving this weekend's congestion
12:40 , Tamara DavisonAccording to the AA, today is the busiest day on the roads from now until Christmas.
In a survey of 10,000 motorists, most of them said they would be travelling today and tomorrow.
Saturday is also going to be pretty busy, with 23,730,000 motorists expected to take to the road.
Dubbed a “seasonal surge,” most are travelling for family visits and last-minute Christmas shopping.
Around 59% of respondents are travelling to see family, while 49% are shopping and 26% are travelling for work.
More traffic building up on the M25
12:30 , Tamara DavisonOther delays are now being reported on other parts of the M25.
According to INRIX, there is one lane closed and queuing traffic on the M25 anticlockwise from J23 A1M (South Mimms) to J22 A1081 (St Albans / London Colney) due to a vehicle having its tyre changed.
Train disruption in Barking expected until 2pm
12:16 , Tamara DavisonNational Rail has revealed that train services around Barking are expected to be disrupted until at least 2pm.
This is due to a fault with the signalling system which means that fewer trains are able to run.
Some delays at Luton Airport
12:10 , Tamara DavisonAt the time of writing, four flights departing from Luton have scheduled delays today.
This includes three easyJet flights and a Wizz Air route.
This comes amid news that ground staff are striking, which could affect some flight departure times.
Congestion continues along Old Kent Road
12:00 , Tamara DavisonAside from traffic on the M25, congestion reportedly also continues within London along Old Kent Road due to an earlier crash.
The congestion is backing up to New Cross Road, also diverting via St James's Road to Bermondsey.
There is currently a detour in operation for buses 21, 53, 78, 172, 453 and BL1.
Long delays reported, traffic backing up on the M25
11:46 , Tamara DavisonAccording to INRIX, congestion on the M25 is backed up a couple of miles after a 15-minute hold.
The M25 is already likely to be very busy today due to the Christmas rush, so expect delays in the area as emergency services attend the scene.
Two lanes on M25 closed due to multi-vehicle collision
11:45 , Tamara DavisonLanes 3 and 4 of the M25 clockwise between J10 and J11 have been closed due to a multi-vehicle collision.
According to National Highways: South-East: “Emergency services and Traffic Officers at scene.”
There are 5 miles of congestion on the approach, causing 45-min delays beyond the normal travel time.
Road closures in Barnes due to crash investigation
11:30 , Tamara DavisonThere is queueing traffic and road closures due to an earlier crash on the A3003 near Barnes.
Congestion is backing up to White Hart Lane, and back past the level crossing, and both ways on Upper Richmond Road from East Sheen.
A detour is in operation for local buses, and motorists are being encouraged to plan ahead if travelling through the area.
Burst water pipe floods railway closing all lines at Rye House
11:15 , Tamara DavisonPassengers using Rye House station to travel into London are being warned not to travel unless absolutely necessary, as there is currently severe travel disruption.
A burst water main at Rye House flooded the railway, closing all lines, including trains that run toward London stations.
This is dramatically affecting Greater Anglia routes serving Stratford and London Liverpool Street.
This disruption is expected to continue until at least Christmas Eve.
Lane blocked on North Circular Westbound near Edmonton
11:12 , Tamara DavisonOne lane is blocked, and there is queueing traffic on the North Circular Westbound due to a stalled vehicle.
Train cancellations around Barking due to signalling failure
11:00 , Tamara Davisonc2c trains operating from London Fenchurch Street, as well as London Overground services between Gospel Oak and Barking Riverside are experiencing delays this morning due to signalling faults.
According to National Rail, fewer trains can run, and cancellations and reduced services are likely.
This disruption is expected to continue until at least 13:00 today.
AA shares warning for most congested London routes
10:45 , Tamara DavisonThe AA has also identified a number of congestion hotspots that motorists should try to avoid today.
Among them are several London-bound locations:
- M25 around Bluewater – Kent (east of London)
- M3/M25 interchange – Surrey (southwest of London)
- M25 around Heathrow Airport – West London
Suffragette Line closures
10:20 , Tamara DavisonCircling back to TfL services, the Suffragette Line is part suspended between Barking and Barking Riverside due to signalling problems.
There are some delays reported across the rest of the line.
Delays expected at London Luton amid ground staff strike
10:10 , Tamara DavisonSome delays are expected today at Luton Airport due to a strike by ground and baggage handling staff at DHL.
It’s understood that this will predominantly impact EasyJet routes departing from the airport from today until December 22.
In a statement, airport staff said “easyJet has confirmed they expect to operate a full schedule during the proposed strike action from their ground handling agent, DHL.”
We’ll be monitoring departures closely this morning, but there are just a few minor delays on easyJet so far.
Avanti West Coast services face disruption due to blocked line
09:55 , Tamara DavisonAccording to a service update, Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services travelling from London toward Milton Keynes are delayed up to 20 minutes this morning.
This is due to a fault on a train between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes Central.
2.24 million cars estimated on UK roads today, says AA
09:45 , Tamara DavisonJust to get a clearer picture of today’s travel chaos, the AA estimates 24.4 million vehicles will take to the road today.
Their research found that 72% of people planned to travel today, with most driving to see family, while others squeezed in last-minute Christmas shopping.
The AA has also issued an Amber Traffic Warning for the festive period.
Long delays on Old Kent Road
09:35 , Tamara DavisonLong delays are being reported around Old Kent Road this morning due to a crash on the route into town.
Congestion is reportedly backing up toward New Cross Road, and a detour has been set up to ease traffic.
It’s best to avoid this route for the time being, if possible.
M25 and M11 delays
09:25 , Tamara DavisonOne lane has been closed on the exit ramp to the M11 northbound, while slow traffic is being reported on the M25 anticlockwise at J27 due to a stalled vehicle on the motorway.
Motorists can expect slight delays when travelling in the area at the moment.
Minor delays at Heathrow Airport
09:25 , Tamara DavisonThere are a handful of delayed flights being reported this morning at Heathrow Airport, including a couple of Aer Lingus and British Airways departures.
Passengers travelling today are encouraged to allow ample time to get to the airport and to check departure boards here.
Delays on the Bakerloo Line
09:15 , Tamara DavisonSevere delays are being reported on some parts of the Bakerloo Line this morning, due to emergency engineering work.
There are severe delays between Queen's Park and Harrow & Wealdstone and minor delays on the rest of the line.
There is also no service between Queen's Park and Harrow & Wealdstone while TfL deals with an operational incident.
Victoria Station resumes services after fire warning
09:05 , Tamara DavisonTfL issued a warning early this morning at Victoria Station, announcing “This station is closed while we respond to a fire alert.”
Reports reveal that around 6:30am this morning, passengers were informed there was an emergency at the station.
It’s understood that the incident has now been resolved and the station is operating as normal.
