Browse
Log in / Register
Share
Update: March 26, 2025, 10:30 AM GMT
A serious multi-vehicle collision on the A30 near Honiton, Devon, has forced the closure of the major arterial route in both directions, causing significant disruption for commuters and holiday traffic. The incident, which occurred around 7:15 AM today, involves at least two cars and a heavy goods vehicle, according to initial reports from Devon and Cornwall Police.
Emergency services, including ambulance crews and fire fighters, remain on scene. A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service confirmed that multiple people are being assessed for injuries, though no fatalities have been reported so far. The road is sealed off between the Honiton (A375) junction and the Yarcombe turn-off, with police advising drivers to avoid the area entirely.
“This is a complex scene involving multiple vehicles and potential hazards,” said Inspector Mark Rowe of Devon and Cornwall Police’s Roads Policing Unit. “We expect the closure to remain in place for at least four to five hours while collision investigators work to establish the cause. Motorists should plan alternative routes and expect delays.”
The A30 is a key trunk road connecting the South West to the M5 motorway, and closures here often lead to congestion on local roads. National Highways has deployed diversion signs directing traffic via the A35 and A303, but those routes are already seeing heavy volumes. Travelers heading to Exeter or the coast are advised to allow extra time or consider using rail services.
This crash comes amid a troubling spike in serious collisions on UK roads. According to the latest Department for Transport data, 2024 saw a 4% increase in road casualties compared to the previous year, with rural A-roads like the A30 accounting for a disproportionate share of fatalities. Road safety charity Brake urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially during the morning rush hours when fatigue and visibility issues are more common.
Local residents reported hearing a loud bang followed by screeching tires. “I was just getting my kids ready for school and heard this terrible noise,” said Sarah Jenkins, who lives near the A30. “When I looked out, there were already emergency vehicles everywhere. It’s frightening—this road is notorious for crashes, especially at that bend.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Early indications suggest a combination of wet road conditions and possible excessive speed may have contributed. Weather data from the Met Office shows light rain and drizzle in the area this morning, with surface temperatures hovering around 6°C—conditions that can lead to reduced grip, especially on older asphalt sections.
For drivers needing to navigate the closure, the recommended detour is: eastbound traffic exit at Honiton and take the A35 towards Axminster, then rejoin the A30 at the Yarcombe junction. Westbound traffic should take the same route in reverse. However, local authorities warn that these roads are not designed for heavy traffic and may become congested quickly.
Travelers using public transport will see some impact. National Express has confirmed that services between London and Exeter will be diverted via the A303, adding approximately 30 minutes to journey times. South Western Railway is running normally but has laid on extra carriages to cope with potential passenger overflow.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available from official sources. For the latest traffic alerts, follow Highways England’s South West Twitter feed or visit the Devon Travel News website.
In the meantime, authorities are reminding all motorists to check their vehicles before long journeys, especially for tire tread depth, brakes, and lights. The A30’s reputation as a high-risk route has prompted calls for safety improvements, including average speed cameras and better lighting at known accident blackspots like the Honiton stretch.
We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you confirmed details as they emerge.
