THE DARTFORD Crossing has been voted one of the most iconic road landmarks in the United Kingdom.

But the news will do little to calm the tempers of motorists regularly locked in queues at the traffic jam hotspot.

The QEII Bridge came sixth in an RAC survey, which polled drivers on the most recognisable motorway views.

It plays an important role in helping motorists navigate and breaks up their journeys into manageable chunks, according to the study.

For some, the 137m high concrete giant is a reassuring element of their journey.

Others even see it is a discussion point, an educational distraction for children, or a landmark that reminds them of their favourite holiday or trip.

Neil Thompson, director of service delivery at RAC Rescue, said: “Motorway driving can be extremely monotonous so it’s no wonder these iconic sites are so important to drivers and passengers alike for such varied reasons.”

However, for others the 3km long traffic magnet adds nothing but dread to their journeys.

Motorist Fred Owen, 75, of Brent Lane, Dartford, was part of the original construction team that built the first Dartford Tunnel back in 1963.

He said: “If you live miles away and get it on a good day then yes, it probably is quite a nice sight to reach. But if you live nearby it’s a nuisance because there’s always some kind of congestion there.

“We should do away with the tolls altogether – they only create more traffic.”

For many, the biggest bone of contention with the crossing is the fee to use it.

While it may be an impressive feat of engineering and a towering landmark, its toll charges are seen as an unfair additional tax on road users.

Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: “I think the bridge is a great construction, but it’s absolutely outrageous we are still paying to go across it.”

The RAC survey, put to 1,000 members, put other landmarks such as the Medway Viaduct, on the M2 near Rochester, and the River Severn Bridge in its top 10.

Top spot went to the Spaghetti Junction, on the M6 near Birmingham.