Motorists on the M2 faced more delays today due to a car fire.

A large plume of smoke could be seen coming from the coastbound carriageway close to Junction 4 for Gillingham at around 6.45pm.

Traffic was queuing as a result of the blaze, but has since cleared.

It added to four miles of congestion between Junction 3 for Chatham and Junction 2 for Rochester as a result of an “infrastructure defect” on the Medway Bridge.

Three lanes on a busy motorway are likely to be closed until tomorrow while repairs take place.

Emergency roadworks have been in place since lunchtime.

As a result, the junction two westbound exit slip road was also closed.

Now Kent Highways says the closure is “likely to be in place until at least tomorrow”.

It said: “Expect delays in the area and allow extra time for your journey.”

National Highways confirmed specialist contractors are working to complete an immediate repair.

A fire service spokesman said: “This was a vehicle smoking, all persons out on arrival, and the battery was isolated by crews.

“The incident was handed over to Kent Police.”