M25 south - Junctions advice

[verytalldave]

My daily drive now includes part of the M25.
I have noticed that there APPEARS to be two additional entry and exit junctions not shown on either maps (printed or internet) or road signs.
They are located between main junctions 5 and 6 close to the village of Brasted in Kent.
The junctions (on both the east and westbound carriageways) appear to be useable but not signposted.
I first noticed them when my COMAND showed a traffic delay ahead and offered the eastbound exit as an alternative route to bypass the holdup.
As the traffic was flowing OK, I didnt take it.
As I said, they are NOT marked on maps, however these two entry/exits can be seen quite clearly if you go on the aerial (photo) views on either Google maps or MultiMap.
They are either side of the lane which goes under the M25 called Hogtrough Hill/Station Road.
My considered opinion is that they are there for one of either two reasons.
One is to provide a quick turnround point for emergency vehicles as its a fair distance between junctions 5 and 6.
The second reason might be its there to provide a public right of way.
And the reason why its not marked on the maps is that both entry/exit points are small and only useable by cars and small vans (just my thoughts on the subject).
Does anybody or has anybody ever used these points to either leave or join the M25?
And if so, are there any problems ? ? ?
I only ask as I live fairly close and it might be a good shortcut if ever there is a holdup on the motorway.
Thanks in advance.....................

 

[BTB 500]

They are possibly emergency vehicle access points. A few of those were wrongly marked as junctions by one of the map providers some years back, affecting many satnav systems.

 

[PCnerd59]

There are no turnoffs between Junctions 5 and 6. The only exits are to Clackett Lane Services North and South.

 

[wemorgan]

Do you mean here?
Google Maps

with no filter lane they do not look like a 'legal' exit that Joe Bloggs can use.

 

[verytalldave]

There are no turnoffs between Junctions 5 and 6. The only exits are to Clackett Lane Services North and South.

Have you looked at the aerial photos of the area in question? There appear to be no barriers or restrictions as to their use.
I drive past them every day and they certain look open for use by ordinary traffic.

 

[verytalldave]

Do you mean here?
Google Maps

Yes. That view shows both the east and westbound entry/exit points.
There are no notices to say "emergency vehicles only". No signposts at all.

 

[Simon_M]

I know the ones you mean, I have wondered where they go.

Most unmarked junctions on the M25 tend to lead to secure nuclear facilities so if you do take it be prepared to meet a few blokes with guns

 

[verytalldave]

I know the ones you mean, I have wondered where they go.

Most unmarked junctions on the M25 tend to lead to secure nuclear facilities so if you do take it be prepared to meet a few blokes with guns

If you want to go down an "interesting" road take the A21 south from Hewitts farm roundabout and head towards the roundabout near the top of Polhill.
Take the first left down Shacklands Road towards Shoreham and then almost immediatley turn first left again down an unmarked dead end lane.

On second thoughts, you best not as the scenario you mention WILL happen.
Its marked as a "government storage facility".

 

[renault12ts]

If the public isn't wanted , then the road should be blocked. Or at the very least have a sign telling us what's what. If it's open then there is no reason not to proceed. Men with guns should not be confronting the unsuspecting public.

If however you have gone where, quite clearly, you should not then expect the consequences.

 

[MPG]

Now that is intriguing ! I often drive past that point to exit at J5 for the Southbound A21. Not sure what to make of it - it looks as though there are no slip road markings & you'd have to cross the hard shoulder to exit - am I right ? Definitely needs some investigation.

 

[MPG]

Well, it looks like it might be a "secret" exit to assist staff getting too & from Clackett Lane services having to make the trip between J5 & J6. Take a look at this.

 

[verytalldave]

Now that is intriguing ! I often drive past that point to exit at J5 for the Southbound A21. Not sure what to make of it - it looks as though there are no slip road markings & you'd have to cross the hard shoulder to exit - am I right ? Definitely needs some investigation.

Yes. You are correct. You would have to cross the hard shoulder on both the east and westbound sides of the M25 to use the junctions.

 

[verytalldave]

Well, it looks like it might be a "secret" exit to assist staff getting too & from Clackett Lane services having to make the trip between J5 & J6. Take a look at this.

I dont think these 2 junctions are to serve Clackett Lane services. They are not close enough.
I think the "secret" entrance is actually down Clackett lane itself. This is a narrow lane which runs down to the A25 between Limpsfield and Westerham. Its normally blocked by an automatic barrier gate.

But I might be wrong.
My money would be on a turn-round point meant for (but not restricted to) service and emergency vehicles.

 

[GordonTarling]

There's a couple very similar to those near J16 - one was provided for an estate that was cut in half when the M25 was built - it used to say 'Authorised vehicles only', but it now has a barrier across it. The other, I think, leads to some sort of maintenance facility. You can be sure that you're not supposed to use them if you need to cross the hard shoulder to get to them.

 

[Dryce]

Most unmarked junctions on the M25 tend to lead to secure nuclear facilities so if you do take it be prepared to meet a few blokes with guns

Nice thought but slightly unlikely.

If you want to see what nuke storage looks like go to Coulport. It's out of the way but hardly unmissable.

 

[verytalldave]

UPDATE............

Passed by the junctions last night and I am sorry to say I have misled you all. Sorry.
Upon closer inspection both junctions ARE signposted - twice.
One sign reads "SITE TRAFFIC ONLY" and the other, "AUTHORISED TRAFFIC ONLY".
They obviously dont want every Tom, D!ck or Harry using them, but nevertheless appear to be open for use if required.
Apologies to one and all.....................a genuine mistake.

 

[Simon_M]

Cool, so they could be a nuclear bunker or Batmans hideout...

It is probably access roads like that that let OAPs join motorways in their electric buggys!

 

[BTB 500]

One sign reads "SITE TRAFFIC ONLY" and the other, "AUTHORISED TRAFFIC ONLY".

COMAND should not have offered an exit there ...

 

[flango]

If the public isn't wanted , then the road should be blocked. Or at the very least have a sign telling us what's what. If it's open then there is no reason not to proceed. Men with guns should not be confronting the unsuspecting public.

If however you have gone where, quite clearly, you should not then expect the consequences.

You mean like this one?

 

[verytalldave]

COMAND should not have offered an exit there ...

Yes, I know, that has crossed my mind several times. Which is what sparked off this thread in the first place.

If I put a route into my COMAND between (for example) Clacketts lane M25 services (eastbound) and any point on Hogtrough Hill (north of the M25) it gives me this junction as the one to use to leave the M25. Perhaps its an error on my version on the COMAND navdisk. I am currently using version 6.3.
Perhaps later navdisk versions have removed these 2 junctions as "useable".
Perhaps somebody can confirm this or not.