The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge is 25 years old.

The 200ft bridge cost £120 million to build and was officially opened on October 30, 1991, as the Queen drove across it.

It was designed to ease congestion but, 25 years on, the Dartford Crossing is still the source of much frustration for commuters.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: “I remember very well watching the bridge being built, and despite its controversial nature it remains a beautiful piece of engineering.

“The building of the bridge helped deal with the congestion at the tunnels at the time and it’s a travesty that nothing was done after the build to prepare for future traffic problems.

“This is why we are today playing catch-up when we should be opening a new crossing.”

Natalie Chapman, of the Freight Transport Association, said: “The bridge has been a success even if the biggest problem has been congestion as traffic continues to grow.

“It’s a huge asset to Dartford and without the bridge it would be a complete standstill.

“The QEII Bridge is very important as it’s part of an international trade route and it has a massive impact everywhere across the country, including on the economy at a national level.”

She said it would be beneficial to build another crossing near Gravesend as the increasing traffic levels need to be funnelled across the Thames at different points.

It is hoped this will ease the current strain.

The government’s decision on where to build another crossing in Kent is due at the end of the year.

The birthday coincides with the 30th anniversary of the opening of the M25 motorway tomorrow.