Traffic is now beginning to move freely after motorists reported experiencing gridlock and delays on the M20 near Ashford earlier this afternoon.

Two lanes on the London-bound carriageway were closed due to emergency repairs near junction 9 close to the Sandyhurst Lane Bridge traveling to junction 8 at Maidstone.

Highways England cameras show traffic building earlier in the afternoon, and motorists were warned that repairs to the road surface could take hours.

A Highways England spokesman said: "There are emergency repairs on that carriageway which are needed to ensure the safety of drivers using that section of the road."

Now the traffic jams are believed to be easing, though motorists can still expect some delays on the stretch of motorway.