logo
Disruption and delays for south Essex drivers at M25 Dartford Crossing

Disruption and delays for south Essex drivers at M25 Dartford Crossing

Yahoo15-07-2025
DRIVERS are facing disruption on the M25 Dartford Crossing with average speeds of 15mph reported by the AA.
Traffic between Southend Arterial Road and Dartford is slow moving, with congestion spanning the QEII Bridge and M25 into Lakeside.
There is currently no information on the cause of the disruption, but the AA has indicated that it appears to be easing.
We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at https://bit.ly/4eGOxig to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.
An update from the AA said: "Delays of six minutes and delays easing on M25 clockwise between J29 A127 Southend Arterial Road (Romford / Basildon) and J31 A282 Canterbury Way (Lakeside / Purfleet). Average speed 15 mph."
This followed a separate update regarding traffic at the crossing itself, which said: "Queueing traffic on M25 clockwise before J31 A1306 (Lakeside / Purfleet). Congestion to two miles before J30 A13 (Lakeside). Travel time is 15 minutes."
You can check how your journey is affected at theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Alfa Romeo launches personal contract hire option for EV trial
Alfa Romeo launches personal contract hire option for EV trial

Yahoo

time25 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Alfa Romeo launches personal contract hire option for EV trial

Alfa Romeo has introduced a new personal contract hire scheme, named Flex & Free, allowing customers to experience an electric vehicle (EV). The scheme centres around the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Speciale and is designed to offer a temporary driving arrangement with the option to extend, switch, or terminate after six months. The Flex & Free initiative is structured to support drivers considering the transition to EVs by allowing them to evaluate the suitability of an EV for their lifestyle without a long-term obligation. The contract includes additional benefits such as a complimentary wall box for home charging and an included service plan from Alfa Romeo. Managed by Stellantis Financial Services, the scheme permits customers, after at least five months, to give one month's notice to either end their personal contract hire agreement or select a different vehicle on a new finance agreement. Alfa Romeo UK managing director Jules Tilstone said: 'This offer is designed for those who want to try an EV without the fear of commitment. We are confident that when someone experiences the Junior Elettrica and feels that special Alfa Romeo DNA all our models share, they'll fall in love with it. 'They'll also benefit from the free wall box to make home charging simple and affordable.' The Junior Elettrica Speciale is available under the 'Flex & Free' personal contract hire from £499 per month, on a 48-month term with an initial rental of £1,497. Alfa Romeo is also offering an EV grant that reduces the cost of the Junior Elettrica by £1,500. The vehicle itself is equipped with a 156hp electric motor and has a range of up to 255 miles on a single charge, according to WLTP standards. It supports fast charging, allowing for a 20%-80% charge using a 100kW charger. The exterior features a sports styling kit while the interior is furnished with a range of amenities, including an electrically operated driver's seat with massage function, a leather steering wheel, and advanced driver assistance systems. Standard equipment also comprises a heat pump, a Mode 3 charging cable, and an 11kW on-board charger. "Alfa Romeo launches personal contract hire option for EV trial" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

Amex GBT-CWT Merger Cleared, Will Create Business Travel Giant Twice the Size of Nearest Rival
Amex GBT-CWT Merger Cleared, Will Create Business Travel Giant Twice the Size of Nearest Rival

Skift

time26 minutes ago

  • Skift

Amex GBT-CWT Merger Cleared, Will Create Business Travel Giant Twice the Size of Nearest Rival

Soon it will be Amex GBT-CWT — and then everyone else. But tech-advanced companies can potentially make inroads as the merger partners get distracted with managing a huge integration. The U.S. Department of Justice has dropped its lawsuit challenging the merger of American Express Global Business Travel and CWT, clearing the way for the formation of a business travel giant twice the size of the nearest competitor, BCD Travel. Amex GBT (#1 in the space) and CWT (#4) had a combined $45.5 billion in sales in 2024, according to the Travel Weekly. BCD (#2) had $23 billion. The DOJ sued to block the merger just days before the end of the Biden administration. In March, the UK Competition and Markets Authority approved the merger, noting that CWT had become a weakened competitor and other travel management companies could provide competition to the combined business. The merger is now expected to close in the third quarter. DOJ Lawsuit Challenged the Deal In its earlier response to the January 10, 2025 DOJ lawsuit, Amex GBT strongly disputed the allegations, calling the lawsuit a 'blatantly politicized effort.' The company argued that the DOJ's concerns were outdated and overlooked significant changes to the business travel market since the pandemic. The DOJ had sued to stop the proposed $570 million merger, citing antitrust concerns that the deal would reduce options for large corporate travel customers, leading to higher prices, fewer choices, and diminished innovation. The DOJ contended that this reduction in competition would stifle innovation and make it harder for businesses to negotiate favorable terms for travel management services. Amex GBT at the time pointed to the rise of technology-led travel agencies like Navan, Kayak for Business, and Spotnana, as well as increased competition from traditional corporate travel agencies such as BCD, FCM, and Direct Travel. The company also emphasized that CWT had been weakened by bankruptcy and recapitalization in recent years. Backers and Critics 'We recognize the regulatory approval process has created uncertainty for CWT customers and employees,' said Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott in a statement. 'We're excited to close the transaction and welcome them to Amex GBT. Together, we will offer customers unrivaled choice, value, and experience.' CWT CEO Patric Anderson said the company's focus is now on closing the deal and integrating with Amex GBT. At least one other travel management company wasn't bullish on the deal. 'The move reinforces an oligopolistic market structure at a time when the real value offered by independent TMCs shouldn't be overlooked,' said Andrea Caulfield-Smith, managing director global business travel at Advantage Travel Partnership, in a statement. 'Independent TMCs can offer a consultative approach to deliver a personalised and tailored service offering to their customers, something which remains competitive across the travel ecosystem.'

Aston Martin pares outlook as US tariffs weigh
Aston Martin pares outlook as US tariffs weigh

Yahoo

time31 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Aston Martin pares outlook as US tariffs weigh

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda on Wednesday revised down its full-year outlook as US President Donald Trump's tariffs weigh on operations. The group narrowed its losses after tax to £148.8 million ($198.8 million) in the first half of the year, from £207.8 million in the period a year earlier. However, it expects full-year adjusted underlying earnings to improve only "towards breakeven", having previously forecast growth. Revenues dropped 25 percent to £454.4 million in the first six months of the year. Shares in Aston Martin slid more than five percent on London's second-tier FTSE 250. Automakers have been among the companies hit hardest by Trump's tariffs onslaught as he tries to bring auto production back to the United States. Aston Martin limited imports to the United States in April and May while awaiting a trade agreement between London and Washington. It resumed shipments in June after the deal slashed tariffs on UK car exports to 10 percent from 27.5 percent, on a limit of 100,000 vehicles annually. Aston Martin's chief executive Adrian Hallmark on Wednesday urged the UK government "to improve the quota mechanism to ensure fair access for the whole UK car industry to the 10 percent rate". The company added that it expected to sell its minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team for £110 million in the third quarter. "Aston Martin has spent decades proving that it is easier to make cars than money," said Steve Clayton, head of equity funds at Hargreaves Lansdown. He added that "the group's operational performance should benefit from their ongoing restructuring efforts". Aston Martin said in February that it would cut about five percent of its workforce as weak Chinese demand contributed to widened losses in 2024. ajb/bcp/js Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store