Drivers trying to return to Kent were caught up in miles of queues on the M25 after a speed limit on the bridge was lowered due to strong winds.

Gusts of 20mph-plus resulted in traffic being restricted to 30mph on the Dartford bridge at Dartford.

The result has been eight miles of congestion back into Essex.

It is estimated that it is taking drivers an extra hour to get through the tailbacks.

All lanes are still open but the queues stretch back towards Junction 29 for Romford and Basildon.

Speed restrictions have now been eased and traffic levels are returning to normal.

It comes on the same day that an accident involving a roadsweeper and a lorry carrying a crane saw the M25 closed in both directions between Junction 4 and 5.

The driver of the sweeper was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The anti-clockwise carriageway remains closed between Junction 5 and 4.

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