There were hours of queues around Blue Bell Hill after a van caught fire and a coach also broke down.

Lord Lees Roundabout was partially blocked with congestion backing on to the A229 as a result of the blaze.

Police had to close the carriageway Chatham-bound carriageway after arriving at the scene.

A police spokesman earlier said: "Kent Police was called at 4.12pm regarding a stationary van on fire on the A229 at Blue Bell Hill near Maidstone.

"Officers attended the Chatham-bound carriageway where they assisted Kent Fire and Rescue Service while they dealt with the fire.

"The road was briefly closed and was reopened at 4.22pm."

However, delays in the area did not fully clear until around 6pm.