M20 traffic: Man hospitalised in crash with major oil spillage on motorway
A man has been hospitalised following a crash on the M20. National Highways said the motorway[1] is closed eastbound between J8 (Hollingbourne) and J9 (Ashford) due to a single vehicle collision[2]. The incident happened shortly before 11am this morning.
A van suffered a large oil spillage covering around 100 metres of carriageway after striking the nearside barrier. Motorists are facing delays of 45 minutes.
16:59Chiara FiorilloNational Highways shares new update
In a new update, National Highways said: "M20 eastbound remains closed between J8 (Maidstone) and J9 (Ashford) Kent "Delays in excess of 90 minutes on approach to the closure.
"1 lane (of 2) remains closed westbound with 45 min delay on approach."
16:06Chiara FiorilloM20 remains closed
Traffic monitoring site Inrix has confirmed the M20 remains closed. The latest update says: "M20 Eastbound closed, long delays due to accident, a van involved and oil spillage from J8 A20 (Leeds Castle / Maidstone Services) to J9 A20 / A251 (Ashford). Congestion to J7 (Detling Hill / Maidstone).
"Surrounding routes around Maidstone is also congested as traffic seeks an alternative."
16:00Chiara FiorilloWhere are the delays?
Google maps is showing slow moving traffic on the M20 just before Ashford. The M20 in Kent is closed eastbound between J8 (Hollingbourne) and J9 (Ashford) .
15:52KEY EVENTMan taken to hospital
A spokesperson for the South East Coast Ambulance Service has confirmed a man was taken to hospital following the collision, Kent Live reported. They said: "SECAmb were called at approx.
11:05 today (16/12/25) to reports of a RTC on the M20 between junctions 8 and 9. "A crew attended the scene and assessed and treated one patient before taking them to William Harvey Hospital for further medical treatment."
15:49Chiara FiorilloDrivers face delays of 45 minutes
Motorists on the M20 are facing delays of over 45 minutes due to the incident. National Highways said there are approximately three miles of congestion.
15:49Chiara FiorilloDiversion routes confirmed
Road users travelling eastbound are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Exit the M20 at J8 and take the third exit at the roundabout and at the next roundabout take the first exit on to the A20
- Remain on the A20 until the junction with Fougeres Way where it will will turn northwards towards J9 of the M20 and rejoin the M20 eastbound at J9.
Van suffers large oil spillage
A van struck the nearside barrier and also suffered a large oil spillage covering around 100 metres of carriageway, National Highways said.
It added that traffic officers and contractors would be carrying out a clean-up operation to ensure he carriageway is safe for traffic before reopening.
15:49KEY EVENTM20 closed after collision
National Highways has confirmed the M20 in Kent is closed eastbound between J8 (Hollingbourne) and J9 (Ashford) due to a single vehicle collision.
The crash happened shortly before 11am this morning.