MPs call for answers after over-height lorry damages Dartford Crossing tunnel

Two local MPs have demanded explanations following an incident in which an over-height HGV caused major damage to one of the tunnels at the Dartford Crossing.

The left tunnel, which carries northbound traffic from Kent to Essex, was closed for over 30 hours after being struck. Reports suggest the lorry driver failed to stop.

National Highways thanked drivers for their patience while repairs were carried out to fire safety systems, overhead fans, and CCTV equipment.

Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford, has written to National Highways requesting a “full and urgent investigation” and an official apology. His Thurrock counterpart, Jen Craft, has supported the call.

The incident occurred just before midday on Friday, damaging “critical systems” along the 0.8-mile (1.29km) tunnel. The left tunnel is designed for vehicles up to 4.8m (15ft 9in) high, while the right tunnel accommodates slightly taller vehicles at 5m (16ft 6in).

National Highways confirmed that height restrictions are “clearly signed in advance” and that ignoring them constitutes an offence. The agency added that sensors, traffic signals, and barriers installed in 2015 are intended to prevent oversized or hazardous vehicles from entering the tunnels.

Dickson described the damage as “simply unacceptable” and said residents need reassurance that similar incidents will not recur. Craft echoed his concerns, calling it “quite astounding” that an over-height vehicle was able to access the tunnel despite apparently robust control systems.

Sean Martell, head of service delivery at National Highways, stressed that ensuring all systems were fully operational before reopening was critical for tunnel safety.

“We understand the frustration caused by the closure, but safety must always remain our top priority,” he said.

Peter Routledge, a signals expert who worked on Dartford’s free-flow tolling equipment, expressed surprise that the lorry entered the tunnel. He explained that multiple broken-beam detectors and traffic management systems, including signals and barriers, are designed to detect over-height vehicles and guide them safely out of the main carriageway.