Drivers faced gridlock in Maidstone after an accident on Lower Stone Street this morning.

Firefighters were first on the scene after the crash at 7.30am, and gave first aid to a motorcyclist until ambulance crews arrived and took the man to hospital.

The accident involved only one motorbike but thousands of other drivers faced lengthy queues to get around a one way system already blighted by lane restrictions and delays caused by ongoing gas works.

The A229 was affected southbound and northbound, as was Sheals Crescent, Fairmeadow and adjoining roads

The road was reopened at about 8.45pm but delays continued throughout the morning.