There is still no end in sight for the removal of an emergency generator at the Kingsferry Bridge on Sheppey.

Traffic lights have been set up around the huge piece of equipment which has been required to power the bridge's lifting mechanism to allow larger vessels to pass.

Network Rail spokesman Chris Denham said at the start of the month it was hoped to have everything sorted "in the next few weeks." But the generator was still there this week.

Mr Denham said: "We have a company building a new part to replace obsolete equipment to link the bridge's electric motors to the national power network." He promised: "It will be installed as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, motorists forced to use the old road when the Sheppey Crossing is closed for high winds or breakdowns, face additional delays from the temporary traffic lights.

Kingsferry Bridge, which has been relying on temporary power since before Christmas, celebrates its 60th birthday in April.

Sailors have also reported delays, claiming bridge operators have refused to raise the road for certain yachts using the Swale on their way from Conyer to Medway.

On the Sheerness Times Guardian's Facebook page, frustrated travellers have backed calls for a rapid recovery service to be introduced, like the Dartford Crossing, to cope with breakdowns even though it could cost £1,500 a day.

Louisa Pearce asked: "Who is going to pay someone to sit there all day and night just waiting for someone to break down? People should learn to be patient."

One rescue operator said the three most common causes of breakdowns on the crossing were drivers running out of fuel, getting a flat tyre or a slipping clutch.

There is no offence of running out of fuel but in the Blackwall Tunnel motorists are fined £100 for causing an unnecessary obstruction of the highway. It comes with an automatic three points.

One reader suggested there should be gaps in the central reservation so police can set up a contraflow. Another said: "Why don't we just buy police a tow rope?"

Ben Clinton complained: "The bridge is no more dangerous than our new fangled “smart” motorways. In both cases, if you have a breakdown you’re basically stationary in the path of 44-tonne lorries doing 56mph. It makes a mockery of road safety."

Police said they assess each incident before closing a road.

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