M20 Crash Causes Long Delays After Major Oil Spill in Kent

A major M20 crash brought long delays to drivers on Tuesday morning. The crash happened on December 16, 2025, on the eastbound side between Junctions 8 and 9. A van hit the nearside barrier and caused a large oil spill. One man was taken to hospital. The crash forced a long closure and created heavy queues across Kent.According to reports from Reuters and other major outlets, the oil spill covered around 100 metres of road. This made the scene unsafe for traffic. National Highways shut the road at once to stop more accidents. Emergency crews then began a long clean-up process.

M20 Crash Response and Traffic Impact

The South East Coast Ambulance Service reached the scene fast. Crews treated one man and took him to William Harvey Hospital. Contractors then worked to remove the oil and check the road. They also looked at the damaged barrier, which needed repairs.Queues built up fast. Many drivers saw delays of up to 90 minutes. Traffic stretched for seven miles at the peak. Even the westbound lanes slowed down. One lane was shut there due to the barrier damage. That delay reached 45 minutes, according to Reuters.National Highways asked drivers to plan ahead. They warned that long traffic lines would remain until the clean-up ended. Local roads around Maidstone soon filled with cars. Many drivers tried to avoid the motorway but only met more slow traffic.

M20 Travel Problems Spread Across Kent

The crash did more than halt drivers. It pushed pressure onto other routes. Roads such as the A20 and Detling Hill became busy as people looked for other ways around the closure. Inrix and Google Maps showed red lines across the area for hours.A diversion was in place. Drivers were told to leave at Junction 8 and use the A20. They then followed signs north at Fougeres Way to rejoin the M20 at Junction 9. But even with this plan, progress stayed slow. Many cars crawled forward through towns that were not prepared for such heavy traffic.The M20 is a key route. It links Maidstone to Ashford and connects London to the Channel Tunnel. When it closes, the effects spread far. Deliveries were late. Commuters missed appointments. Some businesses saw delays in goods and staff.

 

M20 Crash Aftermath and Lessons

The motorway reopened later in the day. But the rush-hour impact lasted much longer. Traffic officers stayed on-site to check the road and finish barrier repairs. National Highways warned that delays would keep building until flow returned to normal.This crash showed how fast things can change on a busy road. A single van hitting a barrier led to hours of disruption. Oil spills take time to clean. Crews must make sure the surface is safe before cars return. Reuters reported that the clean-up was one of the longest the M20 had seen this year.

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The M20 crash made clear how fragile major routes can be. The incident also showed how key fast action and clear updates are for drivers. The M20 crash remains a reminder that safety on major roads needs constant care.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the M20 crash?

A van hit the nearside barrier. The impact caused a large oil spill. This forced the motorway to close.

Q2: How long were delays after the crash?

Delays reached up to 90 minutes. Queues stretched for seven miles at the peak.

Q3: Was anyone injured in the crash?

One man was treated at the scene. He was taken to William Harvey Hospital for more care.

Q4: Why did the clean-up take so long?

The oil spill covered a large area. Crews had to clear the road and check the barrier for damage.

Q5: Were diversion routes in place?

Yes. Drivers used the A20 and Fougeres Way to rejoin the motorway at Junction 9. Traffic still moved slowly