The QEII Bridge has been reopened after it was shut because of strong winds from Storm Jocelyn.

There were long delays on the M25 at the Dartford Crossing after the bridge was shut at 1.45am due to safety concerns.

Traffic heading into Kent from Essex was diverted through one of the tunnels until about 8.30am, when the bridge reopened.

The closure caused heavy congestion, with queues stretching back to the Swanley Interchange, and along the A2 past Gravesend at one point.

A spokesman said: “Traffic has been released on the A282 south and the QEII Bridge/ Dartford Crossing has now re-opened.”

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The county is facing strong winds today, with several road closures due to fallen trees.

Horsham Lane in Gillingham was shut in both directions between The Street and Otterham Quay Lane / Wallbridge Lane, but has since reopened.

The wind is also causing delays to ferries with Dover TAP in force on the A20.

KCC Highways bosses say it has been enforced to prevent port-bound traffic from disrupting the local road network and the A20 through the town.

For those travelling towards the port, the left-hand lane is only for lorries heading to the Port of Dover while all other traffic should use the right-hand lane.

There are currently no weather warnings in place for the county due to Storm Jocelyn.