Overturned Lorry On M2 Lorry Causes Travel Chaos

An overturned lorry on the M2 caused commuter chaos during this morning's rush hour.

The HGV crashed at around 7.40pm last night (Wednesday 27th April) and shed its load across the London-bound carriageway between Junction 5 (Sittingbourne) and Junction 4 (Gillingham) and the road remained closed for 10 hours.

Kent Police were on the scene throughout the morning with diversions in place via the M20 at Maidstone and the A2 up in to the Medway towns. At one point the National Highways website said: "Due to the complex nature of the recovery we have no time for reopening at this stage. Motorists are advised to follow the 'solid square' diversion symbol on signs".

Kent Police confirmed: "officers were called at 7.45pm last night after a lorry overturned and there were no serious injuries. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol and after also failing a roadside drugs test."

There were long delays on the A249 all morning and the 106.9 SFM Jambuster Line took lots of calls from frustrated motorists. Delays at one point were up to an hour on the road.

National Highways confirmed that the London-bound carriageway was re-opened at 8:00am but that the junction 5 entry slip from the A249 remained closed for the clean-up operation. National Highways warned that long delays remained.

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Up to date information from National Highways can be found by calling: 0300 123 5000.