The borough’s MP has criticized Kent County Council (KCC) over poor communication works to replace an old gas main which is causing a torrid time for drivers.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has targeted KCC following the closure of St Vincent’s Road, at the roundabout with Watling Street and The Brent, in the town which has caused gridlock in the town.

The works, which started on Saturday March 24, are set to finish on Sunday, April 22.

KCC said they are asking why SGN, who are carrying out the works failed to send to letters to residents and businesses informing them of the works.

SGN said temporary traffic lights in the area have been removed and they are doing their best to minimise disruption.

Mr Johnson posted on Facebook: “Work to replace an old gas main at St Vincent’s Road in Dartford has been causing huge traffic problems in and around the town this week.

“This work is causing massive disruption for residents, schools and businesses.

“It is not unfair to say that KCC Highways have been very poor in communicating.

“It is also very surprising that these works are being carried out over Easter. It is a particularly busy time for the Dartford Crossing.

“I have asked for technical officers from KCC to visit the site on a regular basis to ensure the contractors are doing all they can to keep disruption to a minimum.

“Given the huge traffic problems we already have in Dartford, we cannot have our town being treated in this way.

“I have spoken to Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite about this issue and it’s clear that he not only shares my concerns but is expressing equally tough and frank views to KCC.

“It is I’m afraid a torrid time for both residents and motorists but I shall do all I can to encourage these works to be carried out as swiftly as possible.”

KCC spokesman, Thom Morris, said: “We understand and share Mr Johnson's concerns and frustrations, but the fact remains these are not our works.

“SGN applied for a permit to inform us of the works and a condition added to that permit by KCC required them send letters to residents and businesses, however, we understand this was not carried out.

“KCC has no authority to prevent a utility company going about its lawful business but we can apply conditions to a permit as in this case.

“Due to the lack of advanced notification prior to works commencing, we will be taking this matter further with SGN.

“KCC issued, as is the case with the majority of roadworks, a notification that work would be carried out, where, when and details of the diversions.

“We understand from SGN that advanced notice was also displayed on boards on the roadside whilst KCC displayed information on our electronic signs.”

Spokesman for SGN, Waseem Hanif, said: “Our work is progressing well and we are now able to remove our temporary traffic lights to help traffic flow better past our site.

“We have brought in our innovative vacuum excavator to reduce the time it takes to complete our work.

“However, St Vincents Road remains closed at the roundabout with Watling Street and The Brent until our work is completed.

“We will continue to monitor traffic around our work and we'll try to minimise disruption where possible.”