Drivers are facing severe delays and miles of tailbacks on the M20 in Kent this afternoon after a multi-vehicle collision caused major disruption.
The incident, involving several cars and a lorry, occurred on the coastbound carriageway between Junction 8 for Maidstone and Junction 9 for Ashford. Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, were swiftly on the scene to attend to the incident and manage the aftermath.
Major Lane Closures and Growing Congestion
Three of the four lanes were initially closed to allow emergency crews to work safely, causing traffic to quickly back up for several miles. Long queues formed on the approach to Junction 8, with congestion stretching back towards the M26 interchange. Motorists are being warned to expect significant delays and to allow much extra time for their journeys if travel in the area is essential.
Highways England Issues Warning to Motorists
National Highways has confirmed the incident and is actively managing the situation. Traffic officers are on-site assisting with traffic flow and recovery operations. A spokesperson for National Highways advised: "There are currently long delays on the M20 coastbound this afternoon due to a collision. Please consider alternative routes if possible. If you are caught in the delays, please remain patient and stay tuned to traffic updates."
Knock-On Effect for Holiday and Freight Traffic
The disruption comes at a particularly busy time for the key motorway, which is a vital route for freight heading towards the Channel ports and holidaymakers travelling to the continent. The delays are causing a knock-on effect on surrounding A-roads as some sat-nav systems attempt to divert vehicles onto smaller, less suitable local routes.
Live traffic monitoring systems show stop-start traffic for over seven miles as recovery work continues. Drivers are strongly urged to avoid the area if possible or to postpone their journeys until the incident is fully cleared.
