Motorists are facing significant delays this morning as the M23 motorway is closed in both directions. The closure affects traffic between Junction 8 for Redhill, which connects with the M25, and Junction 9 for Gatwick Airport. The incident was first reported at 5.30am, according to the AA’s traffic monitoring system.

Surrey Police are leading the operation, and emergency services are currently at the scene. Images from the area show traffic backed up by a bridge, with police managing the situation. On the opposite carriageway, there is no traffic due to the closure.

Drivers heading north on the M25 are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol. They should exit at Junction 6 (Godstone) and take the A22 southbound towards Felbridge. From there, they will turn right onto the A264 towards M23 Junction 10 (Crawley Interchange) to access Gatwick Airport.

For those travelling southbound on the M25, the diversion involves exiting at Junction 9 (Leatherhead) onto the A243 southbound. At the next roundabout, drivers should take the second exit onto the A24, continuing towards Horsham. At the Great Daux Roundabout, they will take the first exit onto the A264, leading to M23 Junction 11 (Pease Pottage Interchange) to reach Gatwick Airport.

National Highways has reported that delays of up to an hour are expected for northbound traffic on the M23 due to the police-led incident. The situation is ongoing, and full details of the incident have yet to be released. Travellers to Gatwick Airport should prepare for delays as a result of the motorway closure.