National Highways has apologised after a pothole on the M25 caused damage to a reported 20 cars during rush hour traffic.
Drivers posted on social media that they were left stranded between junctions 12 and 13 of the motorway, near Staines, after hitting the hole on Tuesday morning.
The Daily Mail reported at least 20 vehicles were stuck on the hard shoulder after hitting the hole, and an incident alert on National Highways' website said two lanes of the anti-clockwise M25 were closed over the incident, causing delays of up to 50 minutes.
While the incident was reported at 6am and normal conditions resumed by 11am, the government agency apologised in a statement to drivers.
Speaking to Sky News, it said: "We are sorry to hear of this incident and the inconvenience and concern it will have caused.
"When potholes do occur we repair them as soon as possible, and we are presently in the process of a repair to be carried out as soon as possible.
"Our comprehensive maintenance and renewals programme, which we operate across all of our major roads and motorways, helps to minimise the risks of potholes occurring but it can't eradicate them."
National Highways said safety is its "top priority" and added: "On dual carriageways like the M25 we carry out a rolling programme of safety inspections to maintain our roads in a safe condition while causing minimal disruption for road users."
Read more:
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Motorists who have had their cars damaged on National Highways roads can attempt to claim compensation via the agency's website, where they can file a Red Claim.
The M25 has had several delays throughout the year over major planned closures to construct a new bridge near Junction 10 in Surrey.
The first closure was in March, followed by others in May and in July. The project is set to finish by summer next year.
(c) Sky News 2024: M25: National Highways apologises after pothole caused major delays and 'damage to more tha
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