Traffic was temporarily held on the M25 anticlockwise between junction 3 for Swanley and junction 2 for the Darenth Interchange following a multi-vehicle collision. National Highways confirmed that emergency services quickly responded to the scene as queues began to build along the vital orbital route.
Incident Details and National Highways Response
The collision caused significant disruption for motorists travelling through Kent. Cameras monitored by National Highways captured long queues stretching nearly back to the Swanley interchange while recovery and response operations were underway.
“Traffic is currently blocked due to a multi-vehicle collision. Emergency services are on scene,” a spokesperson for National Highways stated in a public update shared on X at approximately 11:30 am.
At the peak of the incident, drivers faced initial delays of around 30 minutes on the approach. This was accompanied by roughly three miles of congestion as traffic came to a temporary halt to allow teams to clear the carriageway safely.
Reopening and Residual Delays
By early afternoon, response teams managed to clear the vehicles involved and complete safety checks of the road surface. National Highways provided a final update confirming that all lanes had reopened to traffic.
- Location: M25 Anticlockwise between Junction 3 (Swanley) and Junction 2 (Darenth Interchange)
- Peak Impact: Three miles of congestion with 30-minute delays
- Resolution: All lanes reopened with residual delays reduced significantly
Drivers travelling through the area experienced residual delays dropping to about 10 minutes. Queuing traffic reduced to approximately one mile as normal conditions gradually resumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the multi-vehicle collision occur?
The collision took place on the M25 anticlockwise between junction 3 for Swanley and junction 2 for the Darenth Interchange.
Were emergency services at the scene?
Yes, National Highways confirmed that emergency services and traffic officers responded immediately to manage the incident and clear the wreckage.
How long were vehicles held on the motorway?
Traffic was temporarily held while emergency responders worked at the scene, causing peak delays of around 30 minutes and three miles of congestion.
Is the M25 fully open now?
Yes, National Highways confirmed in an afternoon update that all lanes have reopened, though some residual delays remained as traffic cleared.
