THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has raised the problems caused by the repeated closure of the QE2 Bridge in parliament in a bid to end the nightmares endured by drivers.

Over Christmas there was significant disruption to the M25 and gridlock on Thurrock's roads after the bridge was closed on three separate occasions due to high winds.

Ms Doyle-Price demanded that Cobra assess the resilience of the road network following the stormy weather.

She said: "It’s important that a proper assessment of the impact of the weather on the road network is made at the highest levels of Government and that is why I want Cobra to look at this.

“I am convinced that if a proper look is taken, the Government would conclude that we need a new outer ring road to complement the M25 and ensure that there is resilience in the road network.

“It is why it should really think again about options for a lower Thames crossing. I will be writing to the Prime Minister to formalise this request."