The QEII bridge at Dartford Crossing remains closed this morning - more than 24 hours after Just Stop Oil protests there began.

The major road bridge linking Essex and Kent was closed on Monday after it was scaled by two climbers from the group, whose demands include that the Government “halts all new oil and gas licences and consents”.

The closure of the M25 Dartford Crossing caused delays of two hours during rush hour on Monday, with six miles of congestion on the anti-clockwise carriageway and five miles in the opposite direction.

This morning, there is approximately six miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the crossing as the bridge remains closed due to ongoing protest activity.

Highways England has said there is no estimation for when the bridge may re-open at this stage.

It tweeted: "The #QEIIBridge at #DartfordCrossing remains CLOSED this morning due to the ongoing protest activity.

"There is no estimation for when the bridge may re-open at this stage.

"There's still approximately 6 miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the crossing."

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, from Essex Police, said: “We understand how frustrating this situation is for people wanting to use the bridge and go about their business.

"Let me assure you we are doing all we can to resolve this situation quickly and safely."

He continued: “It is a complex situation due to the height the people on the bridge are at.

“Our colleagues at National Highways, who have responsibility for the bridge, have made an assessment that it is not currently safe to re-open the road.

“We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or thinks they can selfishly stop others getting to and from work or just going about their daily lives.

"The impact is far reaching, especially for the local community.

“I'd again like to re-iterate my thanks to the public for their patience and understanding.

"I assure them that we continue to work with our partners to bring this dangerous and irresponsible disruption to an end & to keep people safe and keep Essex moving.”

A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil said on Monday evening that the protesters were “all set up” to spend the night on top of the bridge.

“They’re not going to come down in the dark, and the bridge is still closed,” she said.

“So they will have closed the M25 for over 24 hours, at least.

“My understanding is that they are going to stay up there until they’re brought down, that’s my understanding at the moment.

“I don’t know how they’re going to be brought down, and I’m not sure the police do either at the moment.”

The spokesperson added that the group has further actions planned in London throughout October.

Essex Police said officers were called shortly before 3.50am on Monday to a report that two people had climbed on to the bridge at the Dartford Crossin

Morgan Trowland, 39, a bridge design engineer from London, said in a statement released by Just Stop Oil: “As a professional civil engineer, each year as I renew my registration I commit to acting within our code of ethics, which requires me to safeguard human life and welfare and the environment.

“Our Government has enacted suicidal laws to accelerate oil production, killing human life and destroying our environment.

“I can’t challenge this madness in my desk job, designing bridges, so I’m taking direct action, occupying the QEII bridge until the Government stops all new oil.”

Another protester, identified as Marcus, 33, a teacher from London, said: “Only direct action will now help to reach the social tipping point we so urgently need.”

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