London is Set to See Major Road Closures in Early 2026

The start of 2026 will bring multiple road closures in London that will disrupt traffic throughout January and February.

For private hire drivers, planning ahead is crucial to protect their livelihood. Lost minutes translate into lost earnings, and unexpected delays can affect your ratings and work efficiency. Below, we provide complete details of these disruptions so you are not caught off guard.

Major Traffic Disruptions in January and February 2026

These are the major road closures planned in January and February 2026:

Lambeth Bridge Works in Central London

The most significant disruption for central London drivers will come from the planned Lambeth Bridge safety overhaul. This critical Thames crossing sits at the capital’s heart and links Westminster directly to Lambeth. It serves as a vital north-south road through central London daily. The project will affect all road users and create a major chokepoint.

The scale of work makes significant delays unavoidable for most journeys. Authorities will implement overnight shutdowns during the initial stages of construction work. A full weekend closure is scheduled from the 7th to the 10th of February. 

A40 Westway Works

A40 Westway is a vital transport corridor for London. It is the main route to central London and the western suburbs. This road also provides the crucial connection to Heathrow Airport. Essential maintenance work will continue into early 2026 and cause serious disruption for many drivers. Private hire drivers servicing airport runs will be most affected. Trips between West and Northwest London will also be heavily impacted.

The A4 and North Circular Road are some good alternatives during the closures.

A23 Streatham Works

South London drivers face a major long-term challenge as the A23 Streatham Hill will undergo improvement work until spring 2027. This road is a primary corridor into South London. It handles substantial traffic volumes all day long. The construction work will cause persistent lane restrictions and slow traffic flow.

The A214 through Clapham and the A205 South Circular Road can serve as good alternative routes.

Piccadilly Line Upgrade

This tube line is a major London connection that links Heathrow Airport to the city centre. It also reaches northern areas like Cockfosters. Disruption to its services pushes many commuters onto the roads. These people then seek taxis and private hire vehicles to travel.

Northern stations like Arnos Grove/Manor House and western stations like Hounslow and Osterley can lead to consistent bookings for you. Position yourself near these stations during planned disruption.

Northern Line Bank Branch Early Closing

From Monday, 12 January 2026, the Northern Line’s Bank branch will close several hours before normal service ends. It serves the busy City financial district and covers the London Bridge area. These areas generate substantial private hire demand. Early closure of the Bank branch will create a surge in demand in these areas. This extra demand should create opportunities for drivers who position themselves correctly.

Your Action Plan for Success

You need proper planning to avoid these disruptions. Start each shift by checking Fleeto for official updates. Also, see real-time traffic conditions on apps like Google or Apple Maps. Review any alerts from your platform too, as they may warn you about planned disruptions. This small effort can save you hours of frustration later during your shift.