Motorists heading off for the start of the summer holidays are being warned that the QEII bridge at the Dartford Crossing will be closed this weekend - one of the busiest of the year.

The eastern tunnel on the anticlockwise carriageway of the M25 will be closed on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 night between 9pm and 5.30am, despite thousands of families heading off on their summer holidays.

The QEII bridge between Essex and Kent will be totally closed to motorists overnight from 10pm to 5am for routine maintenance.

A fully signed diversion will be in place for oversized vehicles looking to cross into Essex.

Jim O'Sullivan, Highways England's chief executive said: "Safety is our top priority and we want people who are setting off on summer holidays to arrive at their destinations safely.

"With schools breaking up in July many people will set off on long journeys on unfamiliar roads.

"We want to be sure that drivers understand the signs and signals and know exactly what to do if their vehicle breaks down. We also urge drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good shape for the journeys before they set out - to help them get to their destinations safely."