M25 delays after van crash at Swanley Interchange on 6 August
One lane remained closed for three hours following the collision near junction 3
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A van collision on the M25 anticlockwise at Swanley Interchange caused significant delays on the morning of 6 August. National Highways reported the incident, which occurred near junction 3, shortly after 8:00.
One lane remained closed for three hours while recovery teams attended the scene. Traffic built up quickly, with tailbacks stretching as far as junction 4, according to updates from National Highways.
M25 drivers face 16 overnight closures next week
Sections of the motorway will be shut between Tuesday, November 3, and Friday, November 6, affecting journeys through Surrey, Essex, and Buckinghamshire.
Impact on morning commuters
Drivers travelling through the area experienced delays of up to 45 minutes during the peak morning period. National Highways advised motorists to allow extra time for journeys and to check real-time traffic updates before setting off.
The incident was cleared by 11:15, though residual congestion persisted for a further hour. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation by Kent Police.
QEII Bridge closed southbound due to police incident
Traffic diverted via East Tunnel at Dartford Crossing, causing miles of tailbacks on the M25.
What happens next
National Highways has not announced any further action regarding the incident. Kent Police are responsible for determining the cause of the crash, though no timeline for their findings has been provided.
Drivers who witnessed the collision are encouraged to contact Kent Police with any information. National Highways continues to monitor traffic flow in the area and will issue updates if further disruptions occur.
Questions this report answers
+How long were delays on the M25 after the van crash?
Delays lasted around three hours, with one lane closed from 8:15 to 11:15 on 6 August. Tailbacks extended to junction 4, causing up to 45 minutes of congestion for drivers.
+Was anyone injured in the M25 van crash?
No injuries were reported following the collision at Swanley Interchange. Recovery operations were completed by 11:15, though the cause remains under investigation by Kent Police.
+What should drivers do if they witnessed the M25 crash?
Drivers who saw the incident are asked to contact Kent Police with any information. The force is investigating the cause of the crash, though no timeline for findings has been given.
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