A serious crash on one of the county’s motorways, during one of the hottest days of the year, caused severe delays and hours of queues.

A motorcyclist and car were involved in the accident on the M2 coastbound between junctions 4-5 – for Gillingham and Sittingbourne – at about 11am.

A man who suffered serious injuries has been airlifted to a London hospital for treatment.

The coastbound Junction 3 for Bluebell Hill and Junction 5 for Sittingbourne and Maidstone was closed, but later reopened at about 7pm.

Normal traffic conditions aren’t expected to return until about 9.30pm, according to National Highways.

The London-bound stretch was temporarily closed to allow for the air ambulance to land.

Long tailbacks built up as police and ambulance teams attend the scene.

A police spokesman explained officers are currently at the scene, adding: “There has been a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a car on the coastbound M2.

“Officers were called to the scene between junctions four and five at 10.50am.

“Both sides of the carriageway were closed in order for the air ambulance to land although the London-bound carriageway has since reopened.

“A man who sustained serious injuries has been taken to a London hospital – enquiries are ongoing at the scene and diversions are in place.”

It comes as temperatures soar across the county where, in some areas, the mercury has hit 30 degrees celsius. Heavy traffic was expected heading towards the coast as well as towards Canterbury where some 25,000 people were expected for its Pride Festival.

A tweet from National Highways says eastbound traffic has been blocked and for drivers to expect “long delays on approach”.

The agency said: “The M2 eastbound within J5 Sittingbourne is blocked following a collision involving a motorbike.

“Police and ambulance are on scene. Long delays on approach, approximately three miles of congestion.”

AA Roadwatch said average speeds in the area were just 5mph.