Commuters face severe delays this morning after a serious collision shut a busy stretch of the M20 motorway between Maidstone and Ashford, sparking a large-scale emergency response.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the incident on the coast-bound carriageway at 6:00 am on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Control operators scrambled three fire engines and a specialist technical rescue unit to the scene between Junction 8 at Hollingbourne and Junction 9 for Ashford.
Kent Police officers and National Highways traffic personnel rushed to the scene to secure the area and manage the mounting traffic. The entire coast-bound carriageway remains completely closed to allow emergency crews to work at the scene, with tailbacks building rapidly during peak morning travel.
Drivers are being strongly urged to avoid the route and check traffic updates before setting off.
Diversion Routes
*Freight traffic heading towards Dover is encouraged to use the A2/M2.
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.
Note: the above route has a 15’6″ (4.7m) height restriction due to a low bridge at Harrietsham.
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.
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our regional twitter feed.
Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.