M20 J8-9 reopened amid enhanced port security

*Updated at 8.30pm on Friday 8 September 2023*

The M20 coastbound carriageway between Junctions 8 and 9 is being reopened.

It had been necessary to close the stretch of motorway on the morning of Thursday 7 September 2023 due to delays caused by enhanced port security checks, and in order to keep any disruption to Kent’s wider road network to a minimum.

Whilst the checks at the ports are continuing, the traffic delays have eased to the extent that the M20 closure can now be lifted.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Simon Alland of Kent Police said: 'The closure of the M20 is an emergency measure that is only used following consultation with our partners in the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) and after a thorough assessment of issues including public safety and traffic volumes.

'On behalf of the KRF I would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for the patience and understanding they have shown.'