M25 diesel spill causes 19-mile tailbacks

All lanes on the M25 have been reopened after a diesel spill from a lorry caused 19-mile tailbacks and delays of up to three hours in Surrey and Kent.

The motorway was closed clockwise at junction eight, the A217 for Reigate, for emergency repairs from 04:30 GMT until early afternoon.

Two lanes were open to vehicles at 13:45 GMT and the final two were reopened at 15:15 GMT.

The Highways Agency said the hard shoulder would be resurfaced overnight.

The agency said it would also be repairing damage to the safety barrier overnight, which would require lane two of the exit slip road to be closed.

Traffic queues backed up into Kent and there was congestion on the M23 northbound and the M26 during the closure.

Diversions were put in place but there were also delays on surrounding roads.

'Extensive spillage'

The junction had to be closed after the lorry hit a barrier and ruptured its diesel tank.

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: "The lorry spilled fuel on the central carriageway. There was an extensive spillage.

"The Highways Agency worked hard to repair the surface and reopen the carriageway as soon as it is safe to do so.

"The Highways Agency thanks road users for their patience during this repair work."

Road users were advised to avoid the area where possible.

Gatwick was alerted about the problem as well as the port of Dover and also Eurotunnel at Folkestone.

For the latest information on the M25 go to BBC Travel News