The M20 coastbound carriageway between Junctions 8 and 9 is being temporarily closed due to delays affecting crossings at the Port of Dover including a broken-down vehicle on the A20 approach to the terminal.

The closure will allow freight bound for the continent to queue on the empty section of motorway in order to keep any disruption to Kent’s wider road network to a minimum.

All EU-bound freight must use the M20 whilst all other traffic must follow the signed diversions.

The closure of the M20 is an emergency measure that is only used following consultation between partner agencies in the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) and after a thorough assessment of issues including public safety and traffic volumes.

The situation will be constantly monitored with a view to reopening the motorway as soon as possible.