There’s added chaos for motorists trying to avoid the road closures caused by water main replacement through Leeds village this afternoon after an articulated lorry got stuck.

Chegworth Road was one of the few remaining routes from the A20 through to the south of Maidstone that was still open.

But shortly after 1pm, an HGV travelling in one direction met a similar wagon going in the other. With no room to pass, one tried to turn around, and shattered the air tank to his trailer on the sloping ground, leaving the vehicle at 90 degrees across the carriageway. As a consequence, nothing can get up or down.

The accident occurred almost outside the home of Cllr Eddie Powell, the chairman of Harrietsham Parish Council.

He said: “Unfortunately, with all the other roads closed off, this is likely to happen more and more often.

“There’s only Willington Street left open at the moment.

“These road closures are just causing chaos for people.”

Cllr Powell predicted that the road would likely remain blocked for several hours.

The driver told Kent Online that he had been directed to the road by his satnav.

Chegworth Road has a 7.5-ton weight restriction.

Margaret Nuttall is the transport anger for the lorry firm, O’Harte Transport, which is based in Ireland. She said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this breakdown. However, technicians are in attendance and as soon as they have completed their repair the vehicle will move on to make its delivery, which is to a customer in the area.

“With regards to the 7.5tn limit, our vehicle was following a signed diversion route which is in place due to ongoing road works. Unfortunately, the diversion route is not suitable for HGV vehicles.”