THE London-bound carriageway of the M20 was closed between junctions six and seven near Maidstone after a heavy goods vehicle overturned.

Neither the driver nor anyone else was injured in the incident which happened at around 5.30am on Friday.

However, the accident brought long delays for many motorists with all north-bound traffic being directed on a diversion via the A249 to the M2 at junction five, then off the M2 at junction three, and back on to the M20 at junction six, via Blue Bell Hill.

The HGV, which was loaded with ceiling tiles, blocked part of the hard shoulder and the first lane. Initially the Highways Agency reduced the road to a single lane, but allowed traffic through.

They waited until 10am, after the morning rush hour, to begin the recovery operation which required the full closure of the motorway until 12.50pm.

Afterwards, one lane remained sealed off as work continued on clearing debris and diesel that had spilt on to the carriageway.