The Highways Agency is to introduce a new safety system at the Dartford Tunnel for oversized vehicles. The system aims to minimise delays by directing them into a separate lane where they will be met by an escort.

The new safety system is expected to be introduced in April. Changes will also include improved signage, barriers and traffic signals to stop vehicles and, if necessary, turn them around. Drivers who fail to follow the new signs and use the correct lanes could receive fines or points on their licence.

According to the Highways Agency, the introduction of a free-flow toll at the Dartford Crossing has reduced southbound delays by up to an average of nine minutes and northbound delays by four minutes.