A pilot scheme which has more than halved the number of lorries parked overnight on a major road could be extended.

Ashford council has been clamping trucks left by the side of the road since last October.

There were 61% fewer lorries stopped overnight inappropriately in the borough from September 2017 to 2018: an average of 104 vehicles reduced to 50.

The 18-month trial bans drivers from parking their HGVs on the A20 between Charing and the Drovers roundabout and in four industrial estates: Orbital Park, Sevington, Wotton Road and Ellingham.

Since its launch more than 2,000 HGVs have been caught out and been charged a £150 release fee.

Of those more than 1,000 were issued on the A20.

There were 61% fewer trucks stopped overnight inappropriately in the borough from September 2017 to 2018: an average of 104 vehicles reduced to 50.

Only two drivers have been relieved of paying as their trucks had broken down, despite 32 appeals being made.

Around 20 drivers have been clamped more than once.

A report to Kent County Council's Joint Transportation Board said the scheme could be expanded to other areas or developed county-wide.

Following its success, there are calls for the pilot to be expanded outside of the borough and to continue past its expiration in March next year.

Westwell parish chairman Cllr Christine Drury told the latest joint transportation board meeting how the changes have been "transformative".

She said: "The road is much safer because there is less turning across it, especially at night.

"Noise, vibration and air quality is also much improved by the absence of overnight and over-weekend chiller trucks parking up."

However, she added concerns drivers do not have anywhere else to stop overnight, calling for more truckstops.

She added: "This is also about work conditions. Post Brexit, we may all have to be heroes as drivers need looking after as well as residents."

The Ashford Truckstop is expected to increase by a further 200 spaces in February as the facilities in Sevington have been at full capacity most nights.

HGV drivers are charged £30.50 if they stay more than two hours but receive a £6 voucher to spend at the restaurant and bar with free use of the showers.