Shorter queues and a less stressful commute could be in the pipeline if rail chiefs put Dartford on the Oyster card map.

The pay-as-you-go scheme, adopted by more than 300 mainline stations in and around Greater London at the start of the year, could be extended into north Kent if transport bosses agree the move is viable.

A spokesman for rail operator Southeastern said there is "no reason in theory" why the queue-cutting electronic cards could not be used at Dartford rail station.

The idea is being supported by Dr Howard Stoate, the borough's MP, who said: "It would make a huge difference to people living in Dartford."