M20 traffic LIVE: Motorway CLOSED in Kent after horror crash involving lorries
There are major delays on the M20 following a horror crash[1] on the motorway[2] heading into London[3]. The M20 is closed in Kent[4] following a multi-vehicle crash[5], National Highways confirmed. It warned drivers the westbound between section J9 for Ashford and J8 for Hollingbourne, both in Kent, won't reopen until around 10am.
Diversions are in place but these will add significant time onto journeys. Kent Police are at the scene on the M20, which connects Folkestone, Kent, with other parts of the county and the M25 at Swanley, just outside of London.
09:49Zahra KhaliqPictured: Ongoing inspections at the scene
Emergency workers are still at the scene (UKNIP)09:09Zahra Khaliq
Crash comes amid flood warning
The crash comes amid heavy rain and flooding risks across southern England. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, with up to 70mm of rain expected in parts of Kent, Essex, Sussex, Surrey, London and south Wales. "Heavy showers and longer spells of heavy rain may bring some disruption to transport and infrastructure," it warned.
The forecaster says Brits living in 30 areas might want to consider preparing an "emergency" kit with three items[6]. National Highways has warned that disruption could continue as repairs and recovery work take place.
09:00Zahra KhaliqClosure enters sixth hour
The M20 in Kent remains closed between Ashford and Maidstone, now entering its sixth hour of shutdown after a crash reportedly involving two lorries and two cars. National Highways has warned drivers it won't re-open until around 10am.
The crash happened shortly before 3am08:50KEY EVENT
First image emerges from crash site
An image from the M20 crash site in Kent (UKNIP)08:45Zahra Khaliq
Clean up effort ongoing
Workers are still at the scene of the crash in Kent this morning trying to clean up debris and repair a damaged central reservation.
Drivers have been warned to expect delays.
08:11KEY EVENT'Large amount of debris' flung across carriageway
This morning's crash saw a "large amount" of debris flung onto the carriageway, sparking a clear-up and repair operation. The M20 remains closed westbound between J9 (Ashford) and J8 (Maidstone) due to the multi-vehicle collision. It is not yet clear when the road is expected to open.
A clean up and repair effort is ongoing (UKNIP)07:44Zahra Khaliq
Workers carrying out 'clear-up and repairs' at crash site
National Highways contractors have been sent to the crash site to assist with clear-up works and repairs this morning.
Delays are ongoing. A stretch of the motorway remains closed westbound between J9 Ashford and J8 Maidstone after two cars and two lorries were said to have crashed on the carriageway towards London.
07:14Zahra KhaliqCentral reservation damaged in collision
National Highways has confirmed the central reservation on the M20 was damaged in the collision. Drivers are now facing long delays, with three lanes closed heading westbound.
The crash, involving two cars and two HGVs, happened at around 3:30am.
06:58KEY EVENTTwo cars and two lorries involved in the shunt - reports claim
The crash reportedly involved two cars and two lorries, causing debris on the carriageway. Kent Online[7] says it happened at around 3.30am and the road was quickly closed. Traffic is only starting to build significantly as we approach rush hour.
Alternative routes are limited so National Highways stresses drivers must use the one it has selected.
06:55Bradley Jolly'Thanks for your patience'
A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Thanks for your patience if you've been held up." The service has not confirmed if drivers have been released as yet at junction nine. Even when this is the case, the traffic is expected to crawl through to at least junction eight.
06:49Bradley JollyDrivers should plan for longer journeys
The journey from the Ashford junction to the M25 link near Swanley would usually take around 45 minutes but motorists will be delayed due to the smash today.
National Highways has not given an estimate on exactly how long this stretch will take motorists today. But cameras show the motorway is deserted - as drivers follow the diversion the Mirror previously flagged in this blog.
06:44Bradley JollyThe National Highways statement in full after huge car crash
National Highways statement in full reads: "The M20 in Kent is closed westbound between J9 (Ashford) and J8 (Maidstone) due to a multi-vehicle collision. "Emergency services are on scene.
National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene providing assistance with traffic management. "There is a large amount of debris across the carriageway and damage to the central reservation barrier. National Highways contractors will be attending to assist with clear-up works and repairs."
06:39KEY EVENTM20 westbound diversion route in FULL
Drivers are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:
- Leave the M20 at J9 onto Fougeres way and follow to the roundabout with the A20.
- Take the 3rd exit onto the A20 heading west.
- Follow the A20 through Charing, Lenham and Harrietsham back to the M20 J8 and rejoin the M20 westbound at J8 to continue your journey.
If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
06:38Bradley JollyNational Highways has described the crash as a 'multi-vehicle collision'
National Highways says the crash is a "multi-vehicle collision". However, it is unclear how many vehicles are involved at this stage. Emergency services are present, it is reported.
The #M20[8] in #Kent[9] remains closed westbound between J9 (#Ashford[10]) and J8 (#Maidstone[11]) due to a multi-vehicle collision.
We're making plans to get traffic caught within the closure moving past the scene of the incident. Thanks for your ongoing patience. pic.twitter.com/NfHdDwhTv6[12]
-- National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) August 29, 2025[13]06:32Bradley JollyNational Highways says three lanes are closed due to the accident
Three lanes are closed on the M20 westbound between junctions J9 and J8 after a road traffic collision. Traffic is expected to clear between 10:15 and 10:30, it is believed.
Normal traffic conditions are believed to return by around this time. Delays are starting to build.
06:17KEY EVENTLong delays as part of the M20 closed in Kent following car crash
A section of the westbound M20 is shut from Ashford at junction nine to junction eight for Hollingbourne. It means drivers face lengthy delays this morning as they follow a diversion.
National Highways says this is because of a road traffic collision.
References
- ^ crash (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ motorway (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ London (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Kent (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ multi-vehicle crash (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ preparing an "emergency" kit with three items (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Kent Online (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ #M20 (twitter.com)
- ^ #Kent (twitter.com)
- ^ #Ashford (twitter.com)
- ^ #Maidstone (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/NfHdDwhTv6 (t.co)
- ^ August 29, 2025 (twitter.com)