M2 traffic LIVE: Serious crash as overturned car sparks long delays on Christmas Eve

Police are at the scene of a serious crash on the M2 near Maidstone which has left a car overturned and sparked long delays

The M2 has closed this afternoon after a serious crash halted Christmas Eve traffic.

The motorway is closed to all vehicles westbound between J5 Stockbury Interchange (Maidstone, Sheerness A249; The West (M20, M25)) and J4 Brooms Wood Interchange (Gillingham A278) following a serious collision which has resulted in an overturned car. A diversion route has been put in place.

Kent Police are in attendance along with South East Coast Ambulance Service, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and National Highways traffic officers.

13:59Kirstie McCrum

Serious crash sees carriageway closed 'for several hours'

Traffic monitoring system Inrix said: "M2 London bound closed, queueing traffic due to overturned car from J5 A249 (Sittingbourne / Stockbury Roundabout) to J4 A278 Hoath Way (Gillingham).

"After Medway Services. Stopped since 13:00 after a car hit the central barrier, overturned, and caught on fire. Expected to be closed for several hours."

13:50Kirstie McCrum

Queues of half an hour and building

AA traffic news says that derivers are subject to severe delays of 28 minutes and increasing on the M2 Westbound between J5 A249 (Sittingbourne / Stockbury Roundabout) and J4 A278 Hoath Way (Gillingham).

The average speed for drivers currently is five mph.

13:47KEY EVENT

Diversion in place

Road users are advised to follow the Solid Square diversion symbol on road signs

• Exit the M2 at J5 and join the southbound A249.
• Remain on the A249 to J7 of the M20. Join the M20 westbound.
• Exit the M20 at J4 and join the A228 northbound.
• Follow the A228 northbound to J2 of the M2.

13:46Kirstie McCrum

Christmas Eve drivers facing long queues

The London-bound carriageway of the M2 is where the incident has happened, causing queueing traffic between junction 4 and 5.

The incident stopped traffic shortly after 1pm after a car hit the central barrier.

13:43Kirstie McCrum

What's happened?

The M2 in Kent is closed westbound between J5 Stockbury Interchange (Maidstone, Sheerness A249; The West (M20, M25)) and J4 Brooms Wood Interchange (Gillingham A278) following a serious collision which has resulted in an overturned car.

Kent Police are in attendance along with South East Coast Ambulance Service, Kent Fire & Rescue Service and National Highways Traffic Officers (who are assisting with traffic management).