Furious motorists are demanding action after they were caught for hours in jams at the Dartford Crossing.

The tunnels from Kent into Essex finally reopened at 10.30pm last night after an evening of misery for those stuck in their vehicles.

The traffic chaos, which saw both tunnels closed for hours, was caused by a power failure and the route was shut for safety reasons.

Many of those stuck in it vented their anger online. There were calls for those in charge to be held to account over the regular delays, plus news on when and where a new crossing will be built.

Highways England has recommended a new crossing be built east of Gravesend — dubbed Option C — to draw some of the motorists away from the often congested Dartford Crossing.

The government is expected to announce its preference before the end of this year, but the project is unlikely to come to fruition until 2026.

Posting on our website, HedgeRochester wrote: “A new bridge northbound, use the tunnels (one each way) for overflow if necessary. Problem solved, much cheaper than option C.

“The southbound bridge rarely has any problems with volume of traffic. Just build one for northbound too.

“I’m assuming that this idea has been considered and rejected, but I can’t think why?”

Fact Finder wrote: “Are they instigating these closures and hold-ups lately to make Option C seem more palatable?”

Alan 12 wrote: “If more people rang Highways England and complained then they would have to take action. The tunnel section has and will continue to be a complete problem. Millions spent and only half of it works.

“Highways England need to be held accountable for what they are doing at the tunnel. They cause the congestion, they cause the pollution they cause the problems around Dartford. And this lot want to build another tunnel down stream. UTTER MADDNESS.”

On Facebook, Alan Reading posted: “What a joke this has become, who’s the man making the decisions? Let’s just build the new link and have done with it.”

Tony Renz posted: “Just another day at the Dartford crossing! Kent into Essex I’m sure is cursed. It’s worse now then before they took the tolls away.”

Tony Paffett posted: “This tunnel is a joke. Not only does it affect people going through it affects the local area. Screws up everything. The French company which owns it should be heavily fined. Problems are all too frequent.”

Adrian Swift posted: “I’ve been stuck for hours with a nine day baby and our disabled daughter. Only reason for shutting is because they are worried about not getting their money.”

Emjs Goodson posted: “Just got home. Took four hours (normally takes two) and a two-week old in the car. Roadworks at Blackwall and Google suggesting the route was open did not help at all. Cannot believe in this day and age they don’t have back up generators and a means to use the bridge for reverse flow if needed. Utter chaos.”