M20 closure LIVE: Major UK motorway shut after multi-vehicle crash on busy road
A multi-vehicle collision has forced a section of the M20 to close this morning as an air ambulance and emergency services were scrambled to the scene. The road is closed westbound between J9 in Ashford and J8 in Maidstone. Kent Police raced to the area followed shortly by National Highways Traffic Officers and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
Traffic was safely stopped on the eastbound carriageway to allow Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex to land at scene. Traffic leaving the Port of Dover is advised to use the A2/M2 for London.
12:03KEY EVENTTraffic is slowly moving
Traffic is steadily starting to move but the backlog remains. Drivers are still being encouraged to use other routes, including the M2 for anyone travelling to the Port of Dover.
Kent Police said the crash involved three vehicles - a car, a lorry and a HGV. The incident was reported just before 08:30am.
11:33Sam Elliott-GibbsFire and ambulance service leave scene
Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service have now left the scene. National Highways Traffic Officers remain assisting Kent Police with traffic management whilst collision investigation work is underway.
10:23Zahra KhaliqMap shows exact area facing closure
An accident on the M20 has caused a section of the road to close10:23KEY EVENTTraffic stopped as air ambulance lands
Traffic was safely stopped on the eastbound carriageway this morning to allow Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex to land at scene.
Currentluy, the M20 is closed westbound between Junction 9 and Junction 8.
09:56KEY EVENTCar 'collided with central reservation'
A car crashed into the central reservation on the M20 this morning before leaving the carriageway, police have said.
A spokesperson said: "Kent Police was called at 7.26am on Tuesday 25 November to a report that a car had collided with the central reservation then left the westbound carriageway of the M20, between junctions 9 and 8."
09:50Zahra KhaliqDiversion route in place
Road users are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol, which has a height limit of 4.7M:
- Leave the M20 at J9 take the 1st exit towards Ashford/Canterbury
- At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A20
- Follow the A20 for approximately 14 miles, passing through Charing, Lenham and Harrietsham to re-join the M20 westbound at J8.
What area of the M20 is facing delays?
The M20 is closed westbound between J9 in Ashford and J8 in Maidstone.