Westminster Bridge was closed in both directions on Sunday evening, October 18, 2026, as emergency services responded to an incident involving concerns for a man’s welfare. The Metropolitan Police received a call regarding the situation at 3:41 p.m., prompting an immediate and extensive emergency response in central London.
The bridge remained shut for hours, extending into Sunday evening. A heavy presence of emergency personnel, including police officers, ambulance crews, and fire engines, was reported near iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and Parliament Square. The London Ambulance Service dispatched specialist teams to assist police operations.
Road Closures and Central London Traffic Disruption
The prolonged closure triggered significant travel disruption across central London, affecting motorists and public transport networks. Several major surrounding thoroughfares were shut down or heavily restricted as police maintained safety cordons.
According to traffic monitoring updates, affected routes included:
- Westminster Bridge Road
- Bridge Street
- Victoria Embankment, including the southbound approach toward Parliament Square
- Horse Guards Avenue, which was temporarily closed earlier in the evening
Live traffic data indicated severe delays on roads approaching the cordons. Notable congestion built around Parliament Square, with lengthy tailbacks forming on Westminster Bridge Road and Lambeth Palace Road. Local bus services were forced to adopt emergency diversion routes.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police released a statement during the response: “Police were called at 15:41hrs on Sunday, 18 October following concerns for the welfare of a man on Westminster Bridge. Emergency services remain at the scene and Westminster Bridge, along with a number of surrounding roads, has been closed while officers respond to the incident. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the individual’s condition or the final clearance time for the bridge. Pedestrians and drivers have been advised to check real-time travel updates before attempting to travel through Westminster and surrounding central districts.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in distress, help is available. In the UK, the Samaritans can be reached day or night, 365 days a year, by calling 116 123 for free, or by visiting samaritans.org.
