A frustrated driver has launched a petition calling for a rethink of the new “farce” of a road system at the Dartford Crossing.

Over 4,000 people have signed the petition launched by Matthew Henry, who claims the changes to the crossing have done nothing to ease congestion.

The Parliament e-petition – which requires 10,000 signatures within six months of its start date to be considered by politicians – has attracted the attention of Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, who plans to raise the issue in the Commons yet again.

In a statement included with the petition, Mr Henry said: “The new, redesigned layout of the Dartford river crossing is not working. There are perpetual tailbacks causing harm to all road users.

“There is currently no way to complain or give opinion on this. It is a disgrace and needs to be looked into to assess its viability. It simply has become a farce.

“The road is tailed back continuously, even on a Sunday. The roads surrounding the tunnel are consistently gridlocked as the overspill from the slip road clogs them.

“The hospital is potentially in harm’s way as ambulances are unable to pass.”

Dartford MP Mr Johnson told the Messenger: “I am aware of this petition, and I share the anger and frustration felt by those who have signed it.

“I will be raising the issue in Parliament again. I met with Highways England last week and discussed the changes, which have been very disappointing.

“This issue needs addressing urgently. I have also taken the matter up with the Department for Transport.

“We cannot continue to have a situation where our town is gridlocked every time there is a problem at the Dartford tunnels.

"Removing the toll booths was the right thing to do, but it hasn’t yet resolved the problems that Dartford suffers from being next to Britain’s worst stretch of motorway."

"Removing the toll booths was the right thing to do, but it hasn’t yet resolved the problems that Dartford suffers from" - Gareth Johnson MP

A Highways England spokesman defended the crossing redevelopment, but accepted that Dart Charge was a “medium term solution” and that an extra crossing was needed.

He said: “Dart Charge is successfully speeding up journeys at the Dartford Crossing, and giving drivers more flexibility about how and when they pay the crossing charge.”

He added that Highways England worked closely with Kent County Council to consider what improvements could be made to roads to improve journeys for local people.