16,000 litres of diesel spilled on A24 in Surrey

A major clean up is underway but disruption is expected to last several days.

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 9th Jul 2024
Last updated 9th Jul 2024

There's disruption on the roads around Leatherhead this morning following an oil spill.

Lorry has leaked oil along the entire stretch from Beare Green onto the M25 at Junction 9. It has also closed the road from Deepdene Roundabout to Westhumble, Givons Grove Roundabout to the Beaverbrook Roundabout.

Surrey Police says there has been a "significant fuel spillage", and roads are likely to be closed "for some time".

Cobham services on the M25 have also been closed

Surrey Highways have issued an update on the spill:

“Following the diesel spillage on the A24 between the Beare Green roundabout to the Leatherhead M25 junction (J9), the road remains closed northbound.

"Surrey Highways teams are on site making the area safe and dealing with the clean-up of this significant spillage that is approximately 16,000 litres and spans 10 miles of road.

"Lane closures and dual carriageway closures which affect the A24 and adjoining roads will need to be in place whilst this incident is dealt with.

"Cobham Services is also closed at this time due to diesel spillage on site.

"Extensive traffic disruption is expected throughout today and over the coming days. Drivers are advised to avoid the area until further notice and keep an eye on Surrey Highways social media channels for regular updates.”

Ross Mendenhall, Operations Director at Extra MSA – which operates Cobham Services – said:

“An HGV entered the site with a leaking fuel tank which resulted in diesel being spilled throughout the service area. Specialist environmental clean up teams are en route and in situ.

"We are working as fast as we can to resolve the issue but estimate that the operation will take a few hours before we can safely re-open for vehicles.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.