TRAFFFIC on the M2 was running normally today following massive traffic jams yesterdfay caused by a lorry fire.

The coastbound stretch of the motorway was closed at Junction 4, the Gillingham turn-off for almost seven hours after the fire broke out on a lorry carrying 25 tonnes of paper.

A huge queue of traffic built up between the Gillingham and Chatham M2 junctions as thousands of cars and lorries were diverted through the Hempstead Valley area. Traffic also tailed back westwards to the A229 and the A249 and A278 area were gridlocked as the delays continued into the rush hour.

Kent Police spokesman Mark Pugash said: "There were horrendous traffic problems. A large fire on a lorry in an area that is busy with traffic at the best of times and the rush hour all conspired to cause a very difficult situation."

One driver, who joined the M2 at the Chatham The fire severely damaged the articulated lorry's cab area and 30 per cent of the trailer. A mechanical digger was brought in to scoop up the debris.

A recovery vehicle was also arranged to tow away the stricken lorry. The Environment Agency had to be notified as foam and the lorry's spilt diesel had entered the drains.