A huge paint spillage closed part of a busy motorway - leading to four miles of queues.

The large splash of white paint shut down a westbound lane of the M20 between junction nine for Fougerers Way, Ashford, and junction eight for Maidstone services.

Commuters faced a 35-minute delay on approach with four miles of tailbacks.

The obstruction has since been cleared up.

National Highways tweeted: “One lane (of two) is closed on the M20 westbound in Kent between J9 and J8 due to a large paint spillage.

“Our contractors are working to clear the road surface.

“There is a 35-minute delay on approach with four miles of congestion.”

Traffic information site Inrix has reported that the road is now clear.

It is thought it reopened at 16.40pm.