A new Thames Crossing in Dartford would be the 'wrong option’ after Kent’s transport chief said he wanted it built within five years.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland (Con) took a trip on the River Thames last week to look at three potential routes for a crossing.

Options under discussion include two in Gravesham, to the east and west of Gravesend, and an additional crossing in Dartford running alongside the QE11 bridge. But Cllr Sweetland believes the Dartford one is favourite.

KCC’s cabinet member for environment, highways and waste, is due to discuss the third crossing with Roads Minister Mike Penning next month.

He said in his view the crossing would be built in Dartford but admitted the final decision would rest with the government. He also represents Istead Rise, on Gravesham council, one of the areas which might be affected by the final decision.

But Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite (Con) was confident that another crossing would not be built alongside the QE11 bridge.

He said: “I think they (Gravesham) are being a bit mischievous in talking about another crossing in Dartford.

“Simply expanding the Bridge will be the cheapest option but it will not solve the problem of preventing tailbacks."