Drivers are still facing delays on the approach to the Dartford Tunnel, which has been partially closed throughout the day for emergency repairs.

Motorists are being advised to leave plenty of extra time or to plan an alternative route if they want to use the crossing to travel from Kent to Essex.

Lorry drivers had been told to head the long way around the M25 after maintenance crews working in the Dartford Tunnel overnight found some exposed metal work in the wall, which may pose a danger to drivers' safety if not checked.

The east bore tunnel was closed until just after 5pm today as a safety measure while it was being examined and fixed.

Motorists are still facing delays of 15 minutes on the approach to the tunnel, with congestion stretching back to Junction 3 the Swanley Interchange of the M25.

The incident affected the larger east bore tunnel, meaning vehicles more than four metres tall heading north at Dartford had been advised to travel around the clockwise round the M25 to reach their destination.