THOUSANDS of drivers are set to be forced into the ULEZ charging area by ongoing closures to the M25.

The route is one of Britain's busiest motorways, carrying 200,000 vehicles a day, but has already seen its fair share of disruption this year.

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National Highways is completely overhauling J10 of the route as part of a £317 million regeneration project.

The work will see several new bridges and link roads put in, including a first-ever "heathland" bridge for wildlife and pedestrians to cross the motorway.

The aim of the plan is to "reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys."

But, in the short-term, that does mean there will be delays and disruption for drivers trying to navigate around the roadworks.

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The next round of closures will take place over three weekends in October, affecting several slip roads around J10 in Surrey.

Drivers will be unable to use the slip roads at that junction to join or leave either the M25 or the connecting A3 during the shutdowns.

The restrictions will be in place across the weekends of October 4, October 18 and November 1.

For all three closures, the roads will be shut from 9pm on the Friday to 6am on the Monday.

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Instead, drivers will be taken on one of seven possible diversion routes, with rest of both affected roads remaining open.

However, concerns have been raised over the fact that two of the diversions will take motorists into the Greater London area, which is subject to the ULEZ charge.

Fortunately, there is a loophole, as TfL has allowed an exemption for those diverted into the zone from the M25.

A National Highways spokesperson explained: "While the Ultra Low Emission Zone across London will remain in force during these closures, the signed diversion routes have been designed to ensure that drivers would avoid any charges."

As such, it is vital that any drivers forced off the M25 or A3 follow the official diversion, which will be clearly signed.

If you miss a sign and stray from the route, you could face charges of £12.50 per day if your car is non-compliant.

Failure to pay can result in a £90 fine per entry, rising to £180 if not paid within 14 days.

It comes after it was revealed that Brits lose nearly three days a year on average to rail and traffic delays.