On Tuesday 9th July 2024 a lorry heading north spilled over 16,000 litres of diesel on the A24.
The fuel was dropped over 15 miles of main road surface from Capel Village to junction 9 of the M25 at Leatherhead and on to cobham services. Apparently after the lorry driver had made a delivery and left the fuel pipe undone on route to the next destination at cobham services.
With the slippery surface mixing with rain water causing many car accidents along with miles of tailbacks the decision was made to close the northbound route until it can be made safe for all users.
Local businesses on the route like Northfields Farm supplies have also been affected, preventing customers access and contamination of forecourt’s and driveways.
The offending lorry only realised there was a problem after operatives at Cobham services had noticed the issue.
The Highways agency have mentioned they will be resurfacing the entire stretch as this type of spillage cannot be cleaned away and could take around a week to complete the process. Cobham serviced will also undergo maintenance measures to rectify the issues at their facility.
Due to road closures, alternative routes over the next week will need to be found and delays must be expected. Please leave extra time to complete your journeys.
Please take extra care and stick to speed limits on tight back lanes and through local villages that aren’t used to quantities of traffic.
