The European Commission has threatened Britain with legal action over its alleged failure to comply with a directive on tunnel safety standards.

The directive applies to road tunnels of 500 metres or more within the EU’s trans-European network, which would cover tunnels such as the M25 Dartford tunnel and M2 Medway tunnel in Kent.

The legislation lays down requirements such as communications devices, lighting and safety procedures.

Brussels said it requested information on British regulations last June, but “no information on compliance” was sent back.