Road chiefs have looked to reassure users of major bridges such as that at the Dartford Crossing, following the disaster in Italy.

At least 38 people died and 15 were injured when the bridge in Genoa collapsed.

While a major investigation is under way in Italy into the cause of the catastrophe, Highways England have moved to ease concerns the same could happen here.

Chief highways engineer Mike Wilson said: “We can reassure drivers that safety is and always will be our top priority.

“We have detailed design standards and quality control processes to ensure bridges are designed and constructed to provide safe and comfortable journeys for road users.

"This is supported by a thorough and regular regime for inspecting all structures, including bridges, on England’s motorways and major 'A' roads and taking any necessary action to help ensure they stay safe.

“A very small proportion of our structures are suspension or cable stayed bridges but none of them are of similar construction to the one in Genoa.

“We’re committed to continually improving our network to make every journey the safest it can be. So when the causes of the Genoa bridge collapse have been investigated and reported, we will carefully assess any lessons to be learnt and will bring in any required changes to standards and processes.”

General inspections of bridges in this country are undertaken every two years with more detailed principal inspections typically every six years which involve close inspection of all parts of the structure.