Motorists experienced yet more traffic woes as queues stretched for three miles on one of Kent's busiest roads following a crash.

Emergency services were called to the incident involving a van and a car towing a cherry picker on the M2 coastbound near Gillingham this afternoon.

Officers sealed off two lanes as recovery of the trailer involved in the collision took place.

A National Highways spokesman said: "Traffic officers were on scene.

"Lanes two and three were closed on the M2 coastbound within Junction 1 at Gillingham due to a collision involving a trailer carrying a cherry picker.

"There were three miles of congestion on the approach adding at least 20 minutes to average journey times."

National Highways confirmed that the route had been cleared - with all lanes reopened - just after 4.10pm.

This comes as drivers continue to endure long waits amid the summer getaway chaos at the Port of Dover and Folkestone.

Last night, highways chiefs announced traffic heading towards the port would be unable to use the M20 between Junctions 8 at Maidstone and 12 for Folkestone.

Instead, motorists are being sent along a lengthy diversion using the A20, A249 and the M2 – while cross-Channel lorries must join the M20 Operation Brock queues, or risk a £300 fine.

In the past 24 hours, more than 100 fixed penalty notices have been issued.

Officials believe the measures will help combat the travel mayhem on the coast by "reducing disruption" across Kent.

Police have been contacted to comment on the M2 crash.