There was prolonged congestion on a busy route in and out of town today, as motorists faced a double whammy of issues.

Traffic was at a standstill on the A229 Loose Road and the A274 Sutton Road, south of Maidstone, during the morning “rush” hour, due to a combination of road works and a tree on fire.

There is a lane reduction, controlled by temporary traffic lights, on the Sutton Road, just south of the Wheatsheaf Junction, where South East Water is repairing a water main.

But in addition, Kent Fire and Rescue were called to a tree alight, close to Maidstone Cemetery.

It took the crew just half an hour to put out the flames and there were no reported injuries.

The waterworks are due to continue another two days and there are still expected to be long delays, especially at peak periods.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area if at all possible.