Our response to major incident
On Tuesday 9 July, a significant diesel spillage incident occurred on the A24 between Beare Green Roundabout and Givons Grove Roundabout leading to M25 junction 9. As a result, the road was closed, and all Surrey residents were advised to avoid the area.
Why do we have to close a road after a diesel spillage?
Diesel can soften or dissolve the asphalt and bitumen used in road surfacing. This weakens the structural integrity of the road surface, possibly resulting in damage which makes the road unsafe.
Diesel can also make roads slippery, which can be hazardous for drivers. This is why we need to close the roads, assess and resurface where required, as soon and safety as possible.
Our response
Surrey Highways teams were on site within hours, making the area safe, cleaning up fuel and resurfacing over 10 miles of road. This process involved several critical steps, including containing and removing the diesel, assessing any potential environmental impacts, and repairing damage to the road surface.
We worked closely with other local authorities and emergency services to support those affected by the incident. For example, supervised access was arranged for carers who needed to deliver medicine and supplies to their families and the people they care for.
Another key part of our response was engagement with local communities. Highways officers hand-delivered information to residents, businesses and schools, who were directly impacted by the incident. In some cases, officers met with several business owners to discuss additional support. In addition, we issued a bespoke A24 newsletter update, directing readers to our dedicated web page with live progress updates.
We were also active on our social media channels, posting regular updates as the situation progressed. Doctors surgeries and local schools helped to share the latest information, using WhatsApp groups and databases of 8,000 residents.
What is the situation now?
We have successfully repaired and resurfaced a substantial area of the A24 using over 10,000 tones of asphalt. The A24 is now fully operational, following an amazing effort to rebuild 10 miles of road in just 10 days.
Only a small portion of remedial work is left to complete. This is due to the impact of the hot weather on the road setting process.
We want to extend our thanks for your patience throughout this incident. Your continued cooperation and communication with us are much appreciated.
Stay informed
Keep an eye on our Surrey Highways Facebook and X accounts for the latest updates. Alternatively, you can visit our dedicated webpage. For weekly updates on roadworks in your area, sign up to our Your Highways Update newsletter.
If you have any urgent needs or concerns, please call 0300 200 1003.
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