M25 motorway, Ring motorway around Greater London, United Kingdom
The M25 forms a complete ring around Greater London, stretching 188 kilometers (117 miles) through Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire. This highway links numerous major routes and serves as the main artery for traffic circulating around the British capital.
Construction of the highway began in September 1975 near Potters Bar. Margaret Thatcher opened the final section in 1986, making it Europe's longest orbital road at the time.
The phrase 'inside the M25' serves as a social marker in everyday British conversation, separating the capital from the rest of the country. Londoners and those living beyond the ring use this expression to describe where they live and work, creating an invisible divide that shapes identity and perception.
The highway connects with major routes including the M1, M4, and M40, and provides access to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Travelers should avoid morning and evening rush hours, as traffic often builds up along this ring.
The Dartford Crossing section combines bridges and tunnels to cross the River Thames, and officially operates as trunk road A282. This passage follows its own toll regulations and differs administratively from the rest of the ring.
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