Drivers face three-hour jams after M25 lorry fire

Motorists face delays of up to three hours on a section of the M25 after a “serious” lorry fire.

National Highways reported 11 miles (17.1km) of congestion on Friday morning after two lanes of the clockwise carriageway between junction five, near Sevenoaks in Kent, and junction six, near Godstone in Surrey, were closed at one point.

Traffic monitoring site Inrix said one lane was still closed at 13:44 BST and “long delays” remained.

Congestion had also spread to the A25 through Sundridge, Oxted and Godstone, it added.

Delays of about 55 minutes had also been affecting traffic travelling westbound on the M26 leading up to the M25 at junction five.

Surrey Police said it was made aware of the lorry incident at about 01:30.

A CCTV image showing cars passing by the burnt load via two lanes. The burnt load is cordoned off with three people in high vis standing next to it.

A CCTV image showing cars passing by the burnt load via two lanes. The burnt load is cordoned off with three people in high vis standing next to it.

Delays were still expected despite a lane being reopened [National Highways]

The fire and rescue service left the scene at about 03:15 once the blaze had been extinguished.

National Highways said the lorry’s load had been removed and clean up work could begin as the vehicle had been lifted onto a recovery van.

It said resurfacing work was required and would be completed overnight, although the road was unlikely to be fully closed.

All lanes will be open throughout the day once recovery work has been completed.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said there were no casualties.

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