The transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has visited two infrastructure projects in Kent to inspect their progress.

The first stop was the £26 million new rail station in Rochester, which features longer platforms so that 12-carriage trains will be able to serve the facility when it opens in December. It is also being built in a more convenient central location than its predecessor.

Mr McLoughlin said: “Rochester’s new station will be a big improvement for this historic town. It will benefit commuters and visitors thanks to longer trains and more seats for passengers.”

He also visited the Dartford Crossing, where a new toll system has been set up. Dart Change will mean drivers can use the crossing without stopping to pay a toll. Instead, payments will be made either on a website, mobile phones or by post. This could also cut journey times by up to ten minutes during busy periods.