Royal Mail bosses say there is not enough room outside their sorting office in Ashford to introduce any car park spaces.

Residents have long called for parking to be offered at the site in Tannery Lane, which is surrounded by double-yellow lines.

Drivers are forced to leave their cars outside the office, running the risk of being ticketed by traffic wardens.

Royal Mail spokesman Sally Hopkins said: “We offer car parking facilities for customers at our delivery offices if there is sufficient space to do so.

"There is not enough space at Ashford delivery office but there is public car parking very close to the office that customers can use if they wish.

"Customers do not need to collect mail from our offices if they do not want to or are unable to do so.

"We can leave many items with a neighbour if customers are not at home when we attempt delivery."

Mrs Hopkins says Royal Mail offers a redelivery service, meaning customers could avoid visiting the sorting office.

"Customers can nominate a dedicated neighbour to take in their parcels by filling in a form at their delivery office," she added.

"Customers can also arrange a redelivery free of charge on a day that is convenient for them (including Saturdays), or Royal Mail can deliver the item to a different address within the same postcode area.

"This service can be arranged by calling the number on the “something for you” card we leave or by visiting our website at www.royalmail.com/redelivery."

Royal Mail says it has no plans to move away from the Tannery Lane site, despite rumours suggesting the prime spot will be sold off for development.

In January, the former Kent Wool Growers site next door was bought for £3m and is set to be turned into 160 homes.