Thurrock council chiefs today slammed Highways England's time response as "unacceptable" after today's gridlock across borough.

Traffic chaos descended on the borough this morning after an accident on the Dartford Crossing shut down the QEII bridge last night.

All lanes in the tunnel northbound have now been re-opened but there are long delays back into Kent to J3 (M20/Swanley).

Long delays of up to 13 miles have also been reported north of the river back to the A12 in Essex after lanes were shut on the Dartford bridge.

Councillor Gledhill said he was "concerned" about the time it was taking Highways England to respond to incidents as it was having "a long-term impact on the borough."

Transport Portfolio holder Councillor Brian Little said it was "unacceptable" that "time and time again thousands of the borough's residents were affected."

The chiefs said a roundtable meeting with all agencies to look at solutions to the crisis would be called - but added the solution would not be a second Thames Crossing.

Mr Gledhill said: “I’m concerned about the time it takes for Highways England to respond to incidents and that it will start to have a serious long term impact on the borough.

“When we hear about a road collision, our immediate thoughts are always first to those involved.

“And while I fully support road closures and delays for medical and emergency services attendance, there should be a better plan in dealing with traffic in surrounding areas.

“We know that every time an accident takes place on or near the crossing the majority of Thurrock comes to a halt.

“What is the cost to the council and to businesses each time Thurrock grinds to a stop?

“I know the council have done their part – they’ve been re-sharing messages on social media and updating the website but also making internal arrangements for social care services and amended bin collections.”

Portfolio Holder for Transport, Councillor Brian Little said: “It is absolutely unacceptable that time and again tens of thousands of people are affected by a single accident in a single place.

“I am determined to get all agencies around the table to look at Thurrock’s vulnerable highways points and get robust contingency plans in place.”

A new Congestion Task Force in which Mr Little said he would be taking a lead role is due to meet for the second time on Tuesday September 6.

Partners from Highways England, Essex Police and Local Authority have been invited.

He added: “Highways England is clearly not concerned with keeping Thurrock moving – I’m sure they believe another crossing will solve all the issues – but we know different.”

Councillor Tim Aker MEP also said a second crossing would not fix the problem.

Mr Aker said: "Accident on the bridge and Thurrock at a standstill again.

"To think the Government want another crossing that will cost billions and take only 14% of traffic from the QE2 bridge.

"So rather than being backed up to Chadwell, you'd be backed up to Little Thurrock instead.

"Slow hand clap please for the Conservative Party."