Many of us have used the the Queen Elizabeth II bridge countless times through the decades – and 2021 marks 30 years since it was officially opened.

The M25 has transformed the driving experience for Essex motorists, with the orbital road creating more links with the rest of the country.

The QEII bridge was opened by the Queen on October 30, 1991, allowing motorists to enjoy an aerial view as they drive over the River Thames rather than heading through the existing tunnels.

Changes have been made over the 30 years, with the online Dart Charge meaning toll booths were removed in 2014.

Still paying - tolls at the QEII bridge remained in place until the Dart Charge came into operation online

Still paying - tolls at the QEII bridge remained in place until the Dart Charge came into operation online

Travelling via the QEII is a far cry from the Tilbury to Gravesend passenger and car ferries south Essex residents used in the past.

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Royal approval - The Queen was on hand to open the bridge on October 31, 1991

Royal approval - The Queen was on hand to open the bridge on October 31, 1991

Rush hour - the building of the QEII coincided with more cars being on our roads and we have all been made to contend with traffic jams at the crossing into Kent

Rush hour - the building of the QEII coincided with more cars being on our roads and we have all been made to contend with traffic jams at the crossing into Kent

Link road - the QEII bridge provided an extra crossing in addition to the existing tunnels

Link road - the QEII bridge provided an extra crossing in addition to the existing tunnels

Birds eye view - an aerial view of the QEII bridge, which connects Essex with Kent, in 2014

Bird's eye view - an aerial view of the QEII bridge, which connects Essex with Kent, in 2014

Sailing below - Royal Navy flagship HMS Illustrious goes under the QEII ahead of taking part in the 2006 Remembrance Day commemorations

Sailing below - Royal Navy flagship HMS Illustrious goes under the QEII ahead of taking part in the 2006 Remembrance Day commemorations

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Rolling back the years - using the QEII seems so quick and easy compared to the Tilbury to Gravesend passenger and car ferries of the past

Rolling back the years - using the QEII seems so quick and easy compared to the Tilbury to Gravesend passenger and car ferries of the past

qe2 bridge.

qe2 bridge.

Busy - the bridge is used by countless south Essex residents everyday

Busy - the bridge is used by countless south Essex residents everyday

Crossing - the Queen officially opening the QE2 bridge at the Dartford Crossing in 1991

Crossing - the Queen officially opening the QE2 bridge at the Dartford Crossing in 1991