M25 clockwise, near Dartford Tunnel

[bobbins]

Hi all.

How early in the morning does it get tricky around Lakeside/Dartford Crossing?

I'm heading down to Petersfield from Yorkshire next week and, contrary to AA routeplanner, am thinking A1, M25 is the best way to go (have suffered around Watford/Heathrow many a time).

I need to be in Petersfield for 8am-ish, but could do with knowing from anyone who does the route roughly what time traffic starts backing up around Lakeside. I was thinking getting there around 6.30ish might avoid much carnage and heartache but regulars might suggest earlier?

Any steers welcome - thanks!

[StoatInACoat]

Starts to build up from about 7 am at the crossing (southbound) in my experiance but as ever it depends on the cycle of the moon and the changing of the seasons on the M25.

[bobbins]

Thanks for that.

Yeah, have plenty of experience of it from years ago and know things can get messy for no real reason - particularly on the stretch from Heathrow-Woking. That's my reason for going the other way.

Will make sure I'm there for 6.30 at the latest.

[OliilO]

Why not go M1, A43, M40, A34?
That's the way I'd do that trip when I was up in uni in Sheffield, unless it was late at night and you could almost guarantee the M25 to be clear.

[Oi U]

+1

[bobbins]

Good shout that. I know the route well and don't need an excuse to dodge the M25. Cheers!

[Red Devil]

OliilO said:

Why not go M1, A43, M40, A34?

The A34 will only get him as far as Winchester. You missed out the last bit - A272.
Great driving road after miles of boring motorway/dual carriageway.

[OliilO]

True I was being idle. A339 from Newbury, then cross country from Alton is another fun option depending on traffic...

[bobbins]

Yeah cheers lads - I spent 20-odd years of my life in and around Newbury and Amazingstoke so know where I'm going down that neck of the woods.

Just hope the roads aren't too icy and I can have a bit of fun.

[hyperblue]

Keep an eye out for scamera vans in the villages on the A272 between the A34 and Petersfield. Plenty of road to hoon on between them anyway

[bobbins]

Ta.

Couldn't believe the A339 when I drove it last. Used to be fun hooning along there - looks a killer now.

[bobbins]

hyperblue said:

Keep an eye out for scamera vans in the villages on the A272 between the A34 and Petersfield. Plenty of road to hoon on between them anyway

Was 'challenging' when I did it on Wednesday morning so didn't have to worry about that.

Journey was brilliant and trouble-free, car now resting after a good blast with the Karcher. Cheers all!