Drivers faced long delays on the M25 and A282 near the Dartford Crossing this morning (Thursday, January 15) following a crash.
The collision was first reported shortly before 8am and took place on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 between J2 for Darenth and J3 for Swanley and the A20.
Traffic was briefly held in the area, resulting in lengthy queues forming on approach. Two lanes of four remained shut between J2 and J3 for a time during the morning, with congestion spreading back to the A282 near the QEII Bridge as a result.
National Highways reported delays of at least 30 minutes on approach. There were also some delays on the anti-clockwise carriageway in the area due to onlookers.
A police spokesperson said at the time: "Kent Police was called at 7.43am on Thursday 15 January to a collision involving three cars on the clockwise carriageway between junction 2 and 3. Officers are at the scene where two lanes are currently closed to traffic."
It is not yet known if any injuries have been reported. KentLive has contacted the emergency services for further details.
Find our live blog of this incident as it unfolded below.
15:54 - Keep up to date
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09:30 - Update from Kent Police
Officers from Kent Police were called to the scene of a collision on the M25 clockwise this morning. It has been confirmed that the crash involved three cars.
All lanes have since been re-opened and delays are beginning to clear. A police spokesperson said prior to the road re-opening:
Kent Police was called at 7.43am on Thursday 15 January to a collision involving three cars on the clockwise carriageway between junction 2 and 3. Officers are at the scene where two lanes are currently closed to traffic."
Police are expected to issue a more detailed update later today. It is not yet known if any injuries have been reported following the crash.
09:18 - All lanes now open on M25 clockwise
National Highways has confirmed that all lanes are now open on the M25 clockwise between J2 and J3 following a collision. The crash has been cleared from the road.
Traffic maps show that some residual delays and congestion persist as travel conditions gradually return to normal. National Highways reports delays of 30 minutes on approach, with traffic stretching back to the A282 in Dartford.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) January 15, 2026
09:08 - Where the crash on the M25 has happened
A collision has been reported on the M25 clockwise between J2, for Darenth, and J3, for Swanley. All traffic had been briefly held on the motorway, resulting in heavy congestion.
Two lanes of four now remain closed, with queues stretching back to the A282 and the QEII Bridge. There are delays of at least 30 minutes in the area.
08:51 - Good morning
Welcome to our live coverage of this breaking incident.
We will be bringing you all the latest updates relating to the reported crash on the M25 clockwise between J2 and J3 as we get them.
Do you have any information or photos? Email kentlivenewsdesk@reachplc.com
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