Midnight update:

NATIONAL Highways have now advised the Dartford River Crossing should reopen by 2am, with a return to normal traffic flow by Friday morning.

Chief Inspector Stuart Austin said: "The impact this collision has had on the lives of those travelling in the south of the county today has been huge.

"I know that it hasn't been easy, or comfortable, and I'd like to thank everyone for their patience while these essential repairs are completed by National Highways.

"We have received a large number of calls from those stuck in this traffic, travelling with children or animals, who have had a very difficult day on our roads.

"We're fully aware of the challenges this has created for them, as it has for our officers responding to emergencies in the south of the county, and we are working hard to maintain our service for everyone in Essex tonight."

ROADS around Lakeside, West Thurrock and Grays have been gridlocked for much of the day and evening - because of an accident and emergency repair work in Kent.

The QEII bridge and Dartford tunnels have been severely affected or closed and severe delays due to emergency resurfacing repairs following a fuel spillage as a result of a collision between a car and an HGV at around 11am this morning.

It is reported the lorry jackknifed and hit barriers. One person sustained minor injuries.

National Highways said all lanes will require resurfacing and barriers will need repair work after the crash caused a large fuel spillage across all lanes. 

The southbound M25 tailback stretches to Junction 28, with similar delays in Kent.

It is not yet clear when things will ease though some reports say the QEII bridge may remain closed till late evening.

The bridge eventually reopened but it took more than an hour for traffic to flow freely. Some drivers reported being stuck at the crossing for 12 hours.