Traffic has become gridlocked around McDonald's Drive Thru in Broadway this afternoon.

There are queues of motorists along Barker Road and Hart Street near the Lockmeadow complex, with some drivers reversing down entire stretches of road to avoid becoming ensnared.

Police are now directing traffic into the entrance of Maidstone West station which is normally closed to traffic. This takes motorists directly through to Tonbridge Road.

There is also heavy congestion on A229 Fairmeadow and College Road.

A small section of road works near the fast-food restaurant is believed to have sparked the problems. While they were not in force by Saturday lunchtime, barriers were seen at the side of the road and signs warned drivers to expect a lane closure for part of Tonbridge Road.

A police officer outside Maidstone West station blamed 'sheer weight of traffic.'

Mike Hogg, from Tovil, said the scene near the Lockmeadow complex is one of "absolute chaos" and the McDonald's Drive Thru itself had contributed to the problems.

He said: "We just went down to town- it was chaotic. Drivers were coming out of the drive through and just blocking the road. There were lots of irate drivers tooting at each other. It was absolute gridlock.

"People are now mounting the pavement to get round the queues. It is ridiculous, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hit."