New road markings could cut the number of accidents on a Kent motorway by more than a half.

The Highways Agency is adding chevron markings to the coastbound carriageway of the M2 between junction five (for Maidstone, Sittingbourne and Sheerness) and junction six (for Faversham and Ashford).

New roadside signs will also be installed, reminding drivers to keep two chevrons apart.

Similar schemes on other parts of the UK motorway network have cut the number of accidents by up to 50%, according to the Highways Agency.

Project manager Robert MacKenzie said: "We're concerned at the number of accidents on this section of the M2 caused by people following too close to other vehicles.

"These signs will encourage people to leave enough space and help them judge the appropriate distance to keep."

The hard shoulder of the M2 will be closed until Friday while the signs are installed. Temporary overnight lane closures and a 50mph speed limit will also be in place between 8pm and 6am from Monday, December 5.

The work is expected to take three weeks to complete.