Dartford Crossing tunnel repairs spark major delays

Drivers were caught in tailbacks of up to six miles after a safety system failed following engineering work at the Dartford Crossing.

The northbound east tunnel was due to reopen at 05:30 BST on Monday but remained shut until about 09:30 BST, causing major traffic queues.

It has been closed overnight since 16 May for "safety-critical repairs".

Motorists were urged to allow extra time for their journeys or consider alternative routes.

Problems with a safety system that stops over height vehicles entering the tunnel meant the tunnel could not be reopened on time, according to Andrew Broughton of Highways England.

Earlier, Highways England issued a statement which said: "There are long delays on the M25 in Kent anti-clockwise due to the closure of the Dartford Crossing east tunnel.

"There are also long delays on the A2 westbound between the M2 and the junction with the M25."