Drivers heading to the Dartford crossing should expect delays of up to an hour in nine-mile long tailbacks.

Traffic on the M25 to get into Essex is stretched as far back as junction 4 for Orpington.

All lanes are now open following closures earlier this evening between Junction 1A and 1B at the Princes Road Interchange.

The delays are due numerous incidents including reports of a crash involving multiple vehicles.

Earlier today Fire crews were called to attend reports the tyres of a lorry had caught alight near junction 1A shortly before 4pm.

One fire engine attended and the vehicle’s tyres were said to be smoking on arrival.

Crews then cooled the wheels down with hose reel jets before declaring the incident safe.

There are currently hour long delays and the volume of traffic is also affecting the A2.

According to traffic service Inrix there has been a further report of a breakdown in the queues.

Yesterday there were eight-mile queues at the Crossing.

Kent Fire and Rescue have been contacted for comment.

More to follow.

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Read more: All the latest news from Dartford