London Underground’s Piccadilly Line is facing “severe delays” throughout Wednesday due to a shortage of trains.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed there is currently no service between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge and delays across the rest of the service.
A shortage of Piccadilly Line trains was caused by leaf fall, with TfL currently fixing the damage.
TfL is encouraging people who use the Piccadilly Line to consider alternative routes.
“Please use the Metropolitan line to complete your journey,” the report said.
“Tickets are being accepted on London Buses, the Elizabeth Line, Great Northern, London Overground, and South Western Railway.”
Elsewhere on London Underground services, passengers can also expect minor delays on the Victoria Line due to train cancellations.
Follow the latest travel updates for the capital below...
M25 update: Kent police confirm pedestrian died
15:15 , Tamara DavisonKent police have confirmed that a pedestrian tragically died this morning on the M25, which prompted severe travel disruption.
The M25 was closed in both directions for a large part of the day as emergency responders attended the scene.
"Kent Police was called at 9.45am on December 18, after a pedestrian was struck by a lorry on the clockwise M25 near junction 4,” a spokesperson said.
"Officers attended, along with other emergency services, and a man aged in his 50s was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. There are no suspicious circumstances, and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
The road is now open in both directions.
No trains between Bromley North and Grove Park
15:02 , Tamara DavisonNational Rail is reporting that a broken train between Bromley North and Grove Park has led to the cancellation of services between these stations.
This may impact the route until at least 5pm today.
Travellers can alternatively use their ticket at no extra cost on London Buses routes 126 and 261.
Piccadilly Line disruption continues
14:53 , Tamara DavisonAs we approach rush hour, delays continue on the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line.
This was due to part closures between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, and a shortage of trains across the rest of the service.
According to TfL, minor delays also continue on the Victoria Line.
Increased traffic in Bethnal Green following crash
14:40 , Tamara DavisonRoads have been partially blocked on Bethnal Green Road in both directions close to Bethnal Green Underground Station following a crash.
It’s led to road delays and increased congestion, but a detour is already in place.
The road blockage may impact bus routes: 8, 388 and D3.
Train lines reopened at Lewisham following traspass incident
14:15 , Tamara DavisonNational Rail has confirmed that Lewisham and New Cross lines have been reopened following an earlier trespass incident near St Johns.
However some train cancellations and delays may continue, with passengers being reminded they can alternatively use their tickets on London bus services.
⚠️NEW #Lewisham - Delays between New Cross and Lewisham expected until 16:00https://t.co/Z7ebCrkKkm
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) December 18, 2024
Train delays between New Cross and Lewisham
14:00 , Tamara DavisonNational Rail has revealed that there are currently ongoing delays to services between New Cross and Lewisham.
It’s unclear what’s caused the delays at this point, but passengers may face some disruption until around 4pm.
London Fire Brigade confirms traffic 'heavily impacted' in Hampstead
13:45 , Tamara DavisonThe fire at the Royal Free Hospital, #Hampstead, is now under control.
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) December 18, 2024
Traffic in the surrounding area will remain heavily impacted as crews carry out further operations at the site.
More information https://t.co/zs2vQJs1XS https://t.co/4BcRy7qBGI pic.twitter.com/AYcE9nxC5G
National Rail delays continue between Stevenage and King's Cross
13:30 , Tamara DavisonAn earlier fault on a train at Knebworth has had a knock-on effect on services between Stevenage and King’s Cross.
Some trains may still be cancelled, while others could be delayed by up to 15 minutes.
Travel disruption is expected to continue until at least 3pm.
Building fire leads to delays near Hampstead Heath
13:15 , Tamara DavisonFleet Road in Hampstead has been partially blocked following a building fire.
Either fire engines are reportedly attending the scene, which has caused traffic delays between South End Green and Parkhill Road.
Traffic has backed up to Hampstead Heath Station, and delays are expected.
Traffic caught up by M25 collision now moved past scene
12:55 , Tamara DavisonTraffic stuck on the M25 due to an earlier collision between J3 (M20, Swanley) and J4 (Orpington) has now been able to move.
However, there are still minor delays coming up to the scene of the incident.
The M25 still remains closed clockwise in this area.
Minor delays on the London Underground
12:53 , Tamara DavisonMinor delays are being reported on the Victoria Line due to train cancellations today.
This comes alongside ongoing delays to the Piccadilly Service due to a shortage of trains.
Good service resumes Jubilee Line following morning delays
12:15 , Tamara DavisonTfL have confirmed that regular services have resumed on the Jubilee Line following delays this morning due to train shortages.
M25 traffic can now pass scene of incident via one lane
12:00 , Tamara DavisonA National Highways update confirmed that traffic can now pass the scene of the M25 incident via one lane.
The rest of the motorway remains closed clockwise due to a serious collision earlier today.
It will take some time to clear the backlog of traffic impacted by the incident.
National Rail disruption between Stevenage and King's Cross
11:45 , Tamara DavisonNational Rail confirmed that disruptions will impact the line until at least 1pm today.
⚠️NEW: Disruption between Stevenage and London Kings Cross expected until 11:00 #Knebworth
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) December 18, 2024
ℹ️More information can be found here: https://t.co/X4wcmypryF
AA map shows traffic backing up following M25 crash
11:30 , Tamara Davison
Emergency services and police on scene as cars urged to follow diversions
11:15 , Tamara DavisonKent Police are on the site of the M25 collision, while National Highways Traffic Officers are assisting with traffic management.
The following detour has been shared to help people continue their routes.
Road users are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Exit the M25 clockwise at the J3 Swanley Interchange.
- At the roundabout, take 5th exit onto A20 towards London.
- Continue until the A224 roundabout (Crittal's Corner)
- At Crittal's Corner roundabout, take 1st exit onto A224 towards Orpington.
- At A224 / M25 Link Hewitts Roundabout take 1st exit onto M25 link and at next roundabout M25 Junction 4 take 2nd exit to rejoin M25 clockwise towards Gatwick.
M25 traffic instructed to turn around after "serious collision"
10:50 , Tamara DavisonVehicles caught up in M25 traffic will be instructed to turn around. Delays may take time.
The #M25 in #Kent is CLOSED clockwise between J3 (#M20, #Swanley) and J4 (#Orpington) due to a serious collision.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) December 18, 2024
Traffic caught within the closure will be turned around from the rear of the queue, this is likely to take some time.
Diversion info: https://t.co/ZPJjspbftK pic.twitter.com/Y4x5PzwHTn
M25 closed in both directions for air ambulance to land
10:40 , Tamara DavisonThis morning’s M25 incident reportedly involved a lorry and a car.
According to inrix.com, clockwise traffic was stopped following the incident.
Anti-clockwise traffic was also halted at 10:15 in order for an air ambulance to land.
M25 clockwise near Kent closed due to "serious collision"
10:27 , Tamara DavisonEmergency services are on the scene of a “serious collision” on the M25 between Swanley and Orpington.
The motorway has been closed as a result, and will likely remain closed for some time.
Diversions are currently in place - more updates to follow.
Strong winds impact travel in some parts of the country
10:10 , Tamara DavisonPeople travelling on the M4 near Bristol face considerable congestion after the M48 Severn Bridge was closed due to strong winds.
Weather warnings are also in place for other roads around the country due to severe wind.
Wind speeds of up to 45mph are also expected across London today, but there are currently no reports of this impacting travel in the capital.
Step-free access limited at King's Cross St. Pancras underground
09:49 , Tamara DavisonStep free access to the Piccadilly and Victoria lines at King's Cross St. Pancras is currently unavailable due to a faulty lift.
You can find an alternative route through the TfL travel planner website: https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/
London Underground passengers express frustration at "dangerous" overcrowding
09:40 , Tamara DavisonSome passengers have expressed frustration on social media due to ongoing delays on the Piccadilly Line.
@BeeNetwork @MCRMetrolink Another Wednesday rush hour and single trams on the Piccadilly line. Dangerous overcrowding before we've hit three stops. Sort it out!!
— Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanie2008) December 18, 2024
Dear @tfl please sort out the Piccadilly line. How can you possibly not have enough trains? Again? Ridiculous!
— Phil Hodgson (@SwanLeader) December 18, 2024
Green Man Tunnel closed due to collision
09:33 , Tamara DavisonThe A12 Green Man Tunnel In Leytonstone is closed southbound due to a crash.
A diversion is in place, but the incident has led to long queues around Gants Hill and congestion on surrounding routes.
M11 Northbound delays after accident involving two vehicles
09:29 , Tamara DavisonDelays are being reported on the M11 Northbound near Epping (after J6 M25 J27) following an accident involving two vehicles.
The incident temporarily blocked the carriageway but has now been moved to the shoulder.
All lanes are open, but traffic could be slow.
Drivers told to expect M20 delays after this morning's incident
09:18 , Tamara DavisonUPDATE: M20 J6 - J3 Londonbound All lanes are now open on the M20 Londonbound following an RTC between J4 & J3. Delays remain back to J6 (Maidstone) Allow extra time for your journey: https://t.co/JZVVTEfbhc
— KCC Highways (@KentHighways) December 18, 2024
Long delays on the A13 heading into London
08:49 , Tamara DavisonDue to construction, long delays are being reported on A13 heading into town from Marsh Way to Manor Road.
Travel time along this route is around 50 minutes, according to Inrix.com.
M20 lanes now open
08:35 , Tamara DavisonAll lanes are now open on the M20 following a crash this morning involving a lorry and a car.
A 60-minute delay along the route between junction 3 and 4 heading westbound should now start to ease.
Drivers are still being urged to add extra time to their journeys as the traffic begins to move.
Minor delays on London's Jubilee Line
08:30 , Tamara DavisonMinor delays are being reported on London’s Jubilee Line due to a shortage of trains this morning.
Commuters can use their tickets on alternative routes, including London Buses, London Overground, the DLR, Elizabeth line, C2C, Southeastern and Thameslink.
Rail services travelling through Orpington delayed
08:26 , Tamara DavisonDelays to services through Orpington are expected until 11:00 am due to electricity failures.
National Rail and Thameslink services travelling through or from Orpington could be cancelled, or delayed for up to 45 minutes.
Passengers are being informed they can use their tickets on alternative routes at no extra cost.
Part closures on London Underground services
08:13 , Tamara DavisonThe London Underground is reporting part closures and severe delays on the Piccadilly Line this morning.
There’s no service between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, and severe delays across other parts of the line.
This is due to a shortage of Piccadilly line trains due to leaf fall.
M20 crash
07:38 , Michael HowieA crash on the M20 in Kent has closed westbound lanes with traffic being held up for around an hour.
Inrix.com is reporting long delays following the crash involving a car and a lorry between J4 and J3.
Two lanes are currently shut as emergency services remain on the scene.
Good morning
07:34 , Michael HowieWelcome to the Standard’s coverage of travel news on a blustery Wednesday morning.
We’ll keep you up to date with all the major developments on the roads, railways and Tube as the day progresses.
