Motorists and pedestrians in central London have been urged to check travel updates following an emergency services incident that led to the closure of Westminster Bridge on Sunday afternoon and continued to affect nearby routes on Monday morning.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Westminster Bridge at approximately 3:41 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, following concerns for the welfare of a man. Emergency services attended, and the bridge was closed in both directions while officers dealt with the incident.
The closure affected traffic around Victoria Embankment, Lambeth Palace Road and nearby roads, prompting diversions for motorists and bus passengers.
Emergency Response Causes Disruption
Police and other emergency crews remained at the scene for several hours on Sunday. The incident prompted significant disruption around one of central London’s busiest river crossings.
Transport for London’s traffic updates on Monday morning continued to advise caution around Westminster Bridge, with restrictions affecting the footway and cycle lane near Parliament Square.
Authorities had not publicly disclosed further details about the man’s condition in the initial reports.
Drivers and Pedestrians Advised to Avoid the Area
Motorists travelling through central London were advised to follow diversion signs and check official traffic information before beginning their journeys.
Bus routes and surrounding roads were also affected by the emergency response. Commuters travelling between Westminster, Lambeth and the South Bank were encouraged to allow additional time.
Is London Bridge Closed?
The reported incident occurred at Westminster Bridge, not London Bridge. The two are separate Thames crossings, so travellers should check the specific bridge and route they intend to use.
As of Monday, October 19, the latest Transport for London update continued to list an emergency services incident affecting Westminster Bridge and nearby routes.
Latest Update
Police were responding to an incident involving concerns for a man’s welfare, rather than a confirmed road traffic collision. The precise circumstances and the man’s condition had not been publicly confirmed in the reports reviewed.
Travellers can check Transport for London’s live traffic status for updated road restrictions and diversions.
