Drivers in Kent faced heavy disruption this morning after a collision on the M20 led to a vehicle fire and the closure of the eastbound carriageway. Emergency teams remain at the scene and authorities have put in place a signed diversion to keep traffic moving while recovery and investigations continue.
Incident details: collision and car blaze on the M20
Police and fire crews were called to the motorway shortly before 6am after reports of a single-vehicle crash. The collision produced a car fire that required fire service intervention.
Emergency services remain on site as teams work to make the scene safe and clear debris from the carriageway.
Traffic impact and current delays
The eastbound M20 is closed between J8 Hollingbourne Interchange and J9 Drovers Interchange. Motorists should expect long waits.
- National Highways reports delays of around 30 minutes and about three miles of congestion in the area.
- Recovery operations and safety checks are likely to extend the closure for several hours.
Official diversion — how drivers should rejoin the M20
Road signs display a hollow circle symbol marking the approved detour eastbound. Follow the signed route to avoid further disruption.
- Leave the M20 at J8.
- At the first roundabout take the third exit.
- At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the A20.
- Stay on the A20 until you reach Fougeres Way.
- Follow Fougeres Way north to rejoin the M20 at J9.
Guidance for freight and taller vehicles
Freight operators heading to the Port of Dover have been advised to avoid the diversion where necessary.
- Approved diversion has a 15’6″ (4.7m) height restriction near Harrietsham due to a low bridge.
- Heavy goods vehicles should consider the A2/M2 corridor as an alternative route to the Port of Dover.
What Kent Police and National Highways are saying
Kent Police confirmed officers were dispatched to the incident and that highways and fire teams also attended. The carriageway closure is in place while the scene is dealt with.
National Highways continues to monitor traffic flows and update its travel information. Drivers are urged to follow live traffic updates and obey diversion signs.
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