Road Trip - Advice

[HaizeyDays]

On Friday afternoon I have to Drive from Winchester to Stansted Airport to meet a flight at 8.3o pm. I can leave Winchester any time from 3.o pm, and don't mind a wait at the other end.

I am expecting the traffic to be horrendous around London, and so want to avoid the M25 at all costs.

Two questions: firstly, am I justified, do you think, in wanting to avoid the M25? And second, can anyone suggest an alternative route that might be better. I don't mind going a bit out of the way.

I'm fairly new to the South of England (confirmed northerner), so I would appreciate some advice on which roads to avoid.

KHT

[CrapAtCryptics]

yes the M25 is busy as is the M11 but with the usual levels of care no problems should arise even on a Friday - allow more time as its the last Friday before Xmas.

[vulcan42]

AA route planner will give a route avoiding Motorways but it takes you through the outskirts of west London which can be more horrendous than the M25. The most convenient routeis still M3, M25 and M11. As CrapAtCryptics says, allow extra time.

[rockyracoon]

I second the previous poster. I live by junction 26 of the M25 and unless I knew there was a problem on it, I wouldn't hesitate to use it to get to Stansted. Your only problem will be if you get there too early, it might cost you a fortune to park. Though, you could park at the services on the M11 and grab a coffee.

[TWR]

A34>>>> M42???? M6 Onto A14>>>>>M11 Stanstead.

[shoota]

From Winchester TWR.....?

The M3 has 13 miles of 50mph limit on it and it can get awfully congested around the M25 turnoff and up past Heathrow. Unfortunately it is the only viable route....

[TWR]

I would not even touch the M25 Shoota, Ex HGV thats the route I would use.

[TWR]

To add, or the M3

[shoota]

But the M42 is up near Birmingham - Winchester is halfway between London and Southampton.

Bet your deliveries were late.

[fiction-factory]

M6 is too far North too. Maybe there is another Winchester - in the Midlands.

I have almost always found the M25 to be fine. The 50 mph limits seem to keep things moving smoothly

[Islay]

Winchester is in Hampshire

[Islay]

Drove on the M25 everyday for 13 years and it was grand

[TWR]

A34 Duel Carrageway to the M42, >>>>to the M42>>A14 although busy this duel Carrageway runs smoothly untill you reach the M11, thats the route I would take at the time that Haizey sets off.

[Islay]

TWR if you go via the M42 you add 100 miles and 2 hours onto the trip!

Whats wrong with the M3, M25, M11

[fiction-factory]

I'm confused, TWR. The M42 is 140 + mles way from Winchester

[TWR]

At the time the OP reaches the M25 the traffic will be heavy, if you look at the direction on a map you will see the A34 does head North, if they make their way to the M40?? M42 you then head east onto the A14, Stansted is the right side of the M25, the heavy traffic will be coming to meet you bit on the opp side, I have never been late for a del as I planned my routes without the aid of a Sat Nav.

[TWR]

Another answer to you meet your flight is to find B&B In Harlow "H" you may have all day to wait but least you will be there, Frid is the worst day to be on any Motorway, I've been there and seen the video. that's my advise & that is the route i would take.

[shoota]

The M42 is as liable severe congestion as the M25, especially if there is something on at NEC.
Your route would take Haizey to Stansted but, even with it's problems M3, M25, M11 would be quicker and shorter.

[TWR]

He / She wanted to avoid the M25, that's the route I have suggested, & again that's the route I would go Shoota.

[fiction-factory]

I could understand your route, TWR, if you meant M40 rather than M42- I thought M42 was much too far North- your route would be 240 miles rather than around 120 miles

[EcclesCake]

I'm with Shoota. TWR your advice has thus far been variable and bordering on surreal.