DRIVERS using the M25 could face “highway to hell” journeys this spring as maintenance and emergency response workers prepare to vote on pay strikes, Unite warned today. 

If successful, the ballot — open to staff employed by joint venture company Connect Plus Services — could see an increase in “prolonged traffic jams” on the key motorway, which orbits London, the union said. 

The vote, which runs between Monday and March 31, comes after the more than 150 employees rejected a wage offer of 5.3 per cent — less than half 40-year-high double-digit inflation.

Unite head Sharon Graham slammed the “completely unacceptable” situation and urged bosses to “realise their actions are unreasonable and return to the negotiating table with a vastly improved pay offer.”

The workers undertake general maintenance duties to ensure the M25 operates smoothly, including installing and maintaining traffic management systems during repair work and liaising closely with National Highways traffic officers.

They are also responsible for all elements of emergency repair work, including at accident sites, barrier repairs and dealing with floods and melting tarmac.

A Connect Plus Services spokesperson told the Morning Star: “We remain committed to working closely with Unite to reach an appropriate outcome. However, as these discussions remain ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”