New weight restrictions around the area where a cliff collapsed hint the road closure could last three years.

Public notices have been published imposing temporary orders stopping most vehicles over 7.5 tonnes using various roads around Swanscombe for 36 months from July 3.

Signs have been erected at various sites in London Road between St Clement’s Way, in Greenhithe and the site of the cliff collapse at the junction with Swanscombe High Street.

There are more at the opposide end of the site near Ebbsfleet Football Club in Northfleet.

The blue and red 7.5 ton restriction signs are aimed at stopping the constant issue of lorries ignoring diversions and ending up stuck in narrow residential streets around Swanscombe.

Kent County Councillor for Greenhithe Peter Harman has asked residents to help curb the issue of foreign lorry drivers ignoring the diversion signs by emailing him the company names of the persistent offenders so he can write to them directly at peter.harman@kent.gov.uk with any photos or videos, and details of time and place.

Following a meeting at Kent County Council Cllr Harman said there are plans to create permanant signs to replace the increasing number building up around the streets as he said the road closure is expected to be in place for at least a year.

At the meeting, which included deputy mayor Cllr Ann Dukes, KCC’s cabinet member for highways, the highways director, and the KCC area manager for Dartford, the difficulty and disruption being caused was addressed.

And Cllr Harman said developments were moving forward.

He said: “An extensive site investigation is taking place by specialist contractors, both by use of penetrating laser equipment and by drone.

“When this investigation has been completed a detailed report will be prepared and considered by KCC highways to consider / decide the possible options available.”

Among the issues decided to ease traffic problems was the turning off of the traffic lights at Swanscombe High Street and Phoenix Parc.

Following the cliff collapse in March, which was believed to be the result of a burst water pipe, this weekend’s torrential rain saw flooding at the junction of Manor Way and Craylands lane, just metres from the site of the Galley Hill Road landslide.

The appearance of the huge puddle comes just days after Thames Water fixed a water leak on the same stretch of road which led residents to fear there could be another road collapse.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We received reports of a leak at the bottom of London Road near the junction with Manor Way on Sunday, June 18.

“Our teams are currently investigating the area to isolate the leak so necessary repairs can be made.

“We expect this work to be completed in the next couple of days, during which time, temporary traffic lights may be in place. We are sorry to residents and motorists for any inconvenience caused during this time.”

KCC said it had no comment to make.