Drivers are facing chaos in the run up to rush hour with a part of the M25 closed off following a crash.
Pictures from the scene show large tailbacks clockwise between junction 25 for Waltham Cross and junction 26 for Waltham Abbey.
National Highways confirmed the part of the motorway will be closed for some time as police carry out an investigation.
Elsewhere, Dartford Crossing is closed in both directions because of a serious crash too.
Drivers are also caught up outside Liverpool airport with nine-mile queues and delays of two hours.
A collapsed drainage cover on the M56 eastbound at junction 12 for Runcorn and the airport means emergency works are being carried out.