Traffic patrols could be introduced to combat congestion caused by the Dartford Crossing.

Proposals for officers to monitor busy roads and junctions were put forward at an emergency meeting of Dartford council’s joint transportation board, which deals with transport issues across the borough.

The meeting, which brings together Kent County Council, Highways England and local ward councillors, was called to discuss the ongoing concerns over congestion caused by the much maligned crossing.

The government will make the decision on the Lower Thames Crossing - Highways England can only make recommendations (and has - for Option C), but board chairman Cllr Keith Kelly - speaking after a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening - said more needs to be done to prevent gridlock in Dartford before the new option is built.

“Dartford as a town suffers as a town more than any other town you could care to mention,” he said.

“We have suffered for years from the pollution, the traffic, drivers cutting through the town to escape the queues and lorries coming through the town to cut a few minutes off their travel times.

“We have suffered for years from the pollution, the traffic, drivers cutting through the town to escape the queues and lorries coming through the town to cut a few minutes off their travel times." Cllr Keith Kelly.

“Some people can’t even get off their estates and go about their daily business. Dartford is a great town to live in, but we want people to be able to get around.

“When you can rely on the road network, which you can’t in Dartford, it would make it much easier.”

The idea of traffic patrols at locations such as Bob Dunn Way and the Blue Star Roundabout, junctions which span the M25, could prevent drivers from using the town’s roads to bypass motorway traffic.

Cllr Kelly suggested that the patrols could be funded by a fraction of the money collected from motorists paying into the Dart Charge scheme to make their journey across the river, rather than place further strain on police resources.

“I was very heartened by the police’s response, they thought it was a really good idea and I think there is an opportunity here now to get something that will work well for Dartford,” he said.

“Everyone agreed to go away to look at what they could do to help the situation. We are always going to have the crossing, and that is fine, but it is not fair that we endlessly suffer.”

Nearby business owners are sceptical that the introduction of patrols would make a difference.

John Bantick, owner of Driverhire employment agency in Princes Road, as well as the next door sandwich bar Crumbz, said the solutions implemented sof far have not had the desired impact.

“They are obviously looking at it and trying to come up with ideas, but honestly I don’t know how they solve it,” he said.

“Since they got rid of the tolls and reduced the number of lanes it has just got worse. I live in Brentwood and coming over in the morning is fantastic, but going back is gridlock. I really think it affects my business." John Bantick.

“Since they got rid of the tolls and reduced the number of lanes it has just got worse. I live in Brentwood and coming over in the morning is fantastic, but going back is gridlock. I really think it affects my business.

“I suppose what we should have said to them is that the tolls work very well thank you.”

His doubts are shared by Dave Breeze, who owns the Orchard Garage in Park Road. He said: “How can you say to someone, ‘have you only driven this way to avoid the traffic?’”

“I don’t see how you can really police that. Why should you not try and take a short cut? It’s part of everyday driving.”

Although Dartford appears to have won the battle to not house another crossing, this year has already thrown up a series of traffic nightmares caused by problems at the existing site.

The arrival of Storm Imogen on February 8 forced highway officials to order the closure of the Queen Elizabeth II bridge due to safety concerns, which left motorists stuck in tailbacks of up to 11 hours.

MP Gareth Johnson has labelled the crossing as Britain’s worst stretch of motorway and last month secured a debate in the House of Commons to discuss it.

Council leader Jeremy Kite has also sent a letter to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin to highlight the importance of Dartford in terms of the national road network and the problems it faces.

Dartford’s joint transportation board is next scheduled to meet in June.