The debate over plans for a new Lower Thames Crossing shows no sign of slowing down, with the battle between Dartford and Gravesham now being fought by way of postcard campaigns.

Last week the Shorne Action Group sent a series of postcards to government minsters, each adorned with a striking image showcasing the impact residents believe a crossing east of Gravesend would have on their area.

It was the latest idea of those pleading against Highways England’s favoured Option C, which would run through the countryside surrounding Shorne, Chalk and Higham.

Sharon Goring, a spokesman for the action group, said: “The campaign has given people the chance to ask government ministers and other key decision makers, intelligent, well informed and challenging questions.

“We are on track to send more than 1,500 individual, personal questions and we hope – and expect – the courtesy of individual responses.”

Now Dartford council is responding with a postcard campaign of its own, spearheaded by council leader Jeremy Kite (Con). It comes after motorists experienced yet more misery at the Dartford Crossing last week, with jams at one point stretching back for more than nine miles.

Cllr Kite is inviting those who were affected by the congestion to send him a short note to adorn a series of postcards dubbed Postcards from the Traffic.

“It is a gentle response to remind people that it has to be a rational and careful decision,” said Cllr Kite.

“The events of the last week have demonstrated that many of the arguments being made against a new crossing are proving to be completely unworkable. It is one thing to speculate about what might come, but it is another to have people already living through it.”

Cllr Kite used the launch of the campaign to call on the government to make ‘a proper and considered’ decision on the positioning of a new crossing

He also acknowledged that – regardless of their opposing views – Dartford and Gravesham council need to work together to ensure any new crossing is fit for purpose.

“We have to work together – Dartford and Gravesham council – because the new crossing has to be designed better than the one at Dartford,” he said.

“We are not unsympathetic to the concerns of people east of Gravesend, but you certainly cannot put another crossing at Dartford.” Jeremy Kite.

“We are not unsympathetic to the concerns of people east of Gravesend, but you certainly cannot put another crossing at Dartford.”

Anyone keen to contribute to the Dartford postcard campaign is asked to send a note to jeremy.kite@dartford.gov.uk, with ‘CROSSING’ in the subject line.

Comments should be no longer than 30 words in length.

Meanwhile, Dartford Labour has called on Conservative MP Gareth Johnson to use a Private Member’s Bill to help cure the town’s traffic ills.

The Dartford MP was drawn in the annual ballot for the bills last week, giving him the chance to introduce one on a subject of his choice in the new parliament.

Dartford Labour leader Jonathon Hawkes said: “We believe local authorities need the power to enforce moving traffic offences, including no waiting in yellow box junctions.

"Enforcement of these outside London is the responsibility of police who simply do not have the resources. The government has cut 500 frontline officers from Kent since 2010.

“A change in the law would help improve traffic flow around Dartford when incidents and tailbacks occur. The current lack of enforcement contributes to the gridlock Dartford experiences on almost a daily basis.

"There is clear support for this change. In March, Temple Hill Cllr Daisy Page launched a petition that attracted more than 900 signatures.

“Gareth Johnson now has the chance to use parliament to help everyone in Dartford who suffers from the traffic chaos. I urge him to take it – practical, positive action to help get Dartford moving again.”

For more on the Crossing debate, including one campaigner's claim that Dartford residents are being misled by Highways England's proposals, pick up today's Dartford Messenger.