Vehicle Fire on M11 Southbound Near Harlow Causes Long Delays as Emergency Response Attends
Traffic Disruption is affecting the M11 southbound near Harlow after a vehicle fire earlier this afternoon caused major delays and a full closure between junction 7 and junction 7A.
Motorists are experiencing significant delays on the M11 southbound close to Harlow following a vehicle fire that happened earlier today. The incident occurred between junction 7 and junction 7A and resulted in the southbound carriageway being closed. Traffic has been held while emergency services work at the scene to manage the situation and keep the area safe.
According to the details provided, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident and firefighters have been working to bring the fire under control and ensure the location is safe for road users and emergency personnel. Crews have remained on site while the response continues, with efforts focused on extinguishing the blaze and dealing with any ongoing hazards.
Traffic in this section has been described as at a standstill since around 3:17 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, and delays are expected to continue until the scene is cleared and the road can be reopened. Drivers have been advised that disruption could extend beyond the immediate area as congestion builds behind the closure and diverted traffic increases pressure on nearby routes.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the affected stretch of the M11 between junctions 7 and 7A where possible. Alternative routes using local roads or connecting motorways may help reduce travel time, but drivers should still anticipate slower journeys as surrounding roads may become congested due to diversions and increased traffic volume.
Emergency services have asked drivers to remain patient and to follow instructions from officers and any traffic control personnel working in the area. This guidance is intended to protect both the public and responders, particularly when conditions are changing rapidly around an active incident scene.
At the time of the information provided, there were no official reports confirming injuries, and the cause of the vehicle fire had not been confirmed. Officials were continuing to handle the situation as safely as possible while focusing on restoring normal traffic flow once the area is made safe.
The closure has created significant disruption for commuters, delivery drivers, and other travelers moving through the Harlow area. Anyone planning to use the M11 has been encouraged to allow extra time, monitor traffic conditions, and consider adjusting travel plans until the road is cleared and reopened.
Local authorities are continuing to monitor conditions and may apply additional traffic management measures if needed. The incident has also prompted reminders about motorway safety, including staying alert to sudden changes in traffic conditions, keeping safe distances, and preparing for unexpected delays caused by incidents such as vehicle fires.
Further updates regarding reopening of the southbound carriageway and any additional developments are expected to be shared through official traffic and local information channels. Because this is a developing situation, details may change as emergency response work progresses and conditions at the scene evolve.
For now, drivers are encouraged to avoid the affected stretch where possible, use alternative routes if available, and exercise patience and caution while emergency services complete their work and the area returns to normal operation.
