Bumper to bumper traffic

Motorway to Hell

The first suggestions for a London orbital were made before the First World War. But the project did not get the go-ahead until 1975. The former prime minister, Margaret Thatcher opened the last stretch of the motorway on October 29, 1986.

At 117 miles long, the M25 is the world's longest city by-pass. One year before the motorway was completed criticism was voiced that the road was too narrow. Indeed, when one section of the motorway was opened in 1984 the first day saw a seven mile tailback.

The problems have worsen, with the M25 celebrating its 10th anniversary in October last year with a 34 mile traffic jam.

Sections of the road which were meant for 90,000 vehicles a day are now clogged with 120,000 cars. The section between junctions 12 and 15 carries 200,000 vehicles a day. On a normal Monday there are an average of 73 miles of traffic jams.

In November last year a series of accidents led to 30 mile tailbacks on the M25. When broken down cars were moved onto the hard shoulder, in an attempt to clear the road, part of it collapsed under the weight.

But the Highways Agency says without the M25, 230,000 extra vehicles would flood into London every day.