The Dartford Crossing remains closed as two Just Stop Oil protesters continue to hang from the top of the Queen Elizabeth II bridge. 

Delays of more than an hour are being reported in both directions either side of the crossing, in addition to 30-minute hold-ups on the A2 westbound towards Dartford between the A2260 and the B255. 

Essex Police, which is at the scene, said last night (October 17) that it expected the bridge to remain closed into this morning’s rush hour. 

Ch Supt Simon Anslow said: “We understand how frustrating this situation is for people wanting to use the bridge and go about their business. Let me assure you we are doing all we can to resolve this situation quickly and safely. 

“It is a complex situation due to the height the people on the bridge are at.” 

The two protesters, Morgon Trowland, 39, a bridge design engineer from London, and Marcus, 33, a teacher from London, climbed the bridge at approximately 5am on October 17, forcing the police to stop traffic from entering the crossing. 

Morgan said: “As a professional civil engineer, each year as I renew my registration, I commit to acting within our code of ethics, which requires me to safeguard human life and welfare and the environment.  

“Our government has enacted suicidal laws to accelerate oil production: killing human life and destroying our environment. I can’t challenge this madness in my desk job, designing bridges, so I’m taking direct action, occupying the QEII bridge until the government stops all new oil.” 

National Highways confirmed all southbound traffic is being diverted through the East Bore of the Dartford Tunnel, while all northbound is taking the West Bore. 

It however advises road users to avoid travelling to the crossing and to consider other routes. 

The A282 Dartford Crossing is currently the only way to cross the Thames east of London by road. 

The 1.7-mile (2.8km) long QEII bridge southbound and two 0.8-mile (1.4km) long tunnels northbound link Essex and Kent. 

The A282 also directly connects at both ends with the M25 London orbital motorway, one of the busiest motorways in Europe. 

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