Traffic chaos as protesters climb bridge forcing huge delays during rush hour | The Sun
THE Dartford Crossing has been forced to shut this morning after two protesters were seen scaling the bridge.
The chaos has sparked delays of up to an hour with traffic snaking back four miles clockwise from The QEII Bridge on the M25.
Essex Police said they received a report shortly before 3.50am on Monday morning that "two people had climbed onto the bridge and are currently at height".
The force added: "The bridge has been closed while we resolve the incident which we will do as quickly and as safely for all involved.
"It does mean that we have had to close the bridge to traffic."
Terrifying video from the scene shows two figures clinging to suspension wires hundreds of feet up on the bridge.
READ MORE UK STORIES
Traffic chaos as protesters climb bridge forcing huge delays during rush hour
Driver takes roundabout too quickly and slides before smashing into cars
Dozens of emergency service vehicles can be seen below the protesters who are from the environmental group Just Stop Oil.
In a statement this morning the group – who have carried out multiple protests in recent weeks – vowed to cling on for "24-hours".
They said how two protesters climbed the 84m masts on the North side of the bridge.
One furious commuter tweeted: "Dartford crossing closed, Blackwall Tunnel closed, spent a hour trying to get in, turned around and binned it, South East drivers stay in your bed."
Most read in UK News
Dad charged with murdering daughter, 12, and wife, 44, in country village
Radio DJ found dead in woods after being ‘abducted with his girlfriend’
Stony-faced Andrew & Fergie break cover after Maxwell’s bombshell jail interview
Furious Taxi driver shouts at eco-idiots for blocking hospital patients in cab
National Highways confirmed traffic on the southbound A282 carriageway has also been closed as a result of the police incident.
Southbound traffic is being diverted via the East Bore Tunnel, they added.
Police warned the incident may take some time to resolve due to the complexities of safely getting people down from height.
And they said commuters should consider taking other routes.
Source: Read Full Article