A pilot clamping scheme designed to crackdown on nuisance lorry drivers who park illegally in Ashford has been extended.

The six-month trial was launched across the town’s business parks in April this year following numerous complaints to the council about HVGs blocking roads and pavements, leaving litter and mess behind and causing noise pollution.

Although the scheme was due to end in October, Ashford Borough Council now say it will continue until at least next month.

They also say that despite having to temporarily suspend it when Operation Stack was in place over the summer, they consider the trial to have been a success so far, adding that there has been a decrease in the number of lorries parking on the Orbital Park, Sevington and Henwood estates overnight.

A spokesman added: “The pilot has shown a decrease in HGV parking in the three targeted locations.

"Before it started, we observed between 30 and 40 HGVs parking at the weekend in Orbital Park, 15 or more in Sevington and as many as 50 at Henwood.

“The numbers are now often down to single figures, however, we see a rise in numbers when there are problems at the Channel Tunnel.”

Although hundreds of fines have been handed out to drivers, in total, only three persistent offenders have been clamped as part of the scheme – a sign, the council say, that the trail worked as a deterrent.

The spokesman added: “Three lorries were clamped during the pilot, but remember that there is only the ability to clamp persistent offenders and the low number of lorries clamped is both an indication that the deterrent of having the option works, as well as the fact that in some instances HGVs have been displaced elsewhere in the borough. “

ABC added that it has also started issuing tickets for parking on verges and footpaths and this is also proving beneficial.

The reason Ashford has a problem with lorries parking overnight is partly due to the tacographs on HGVs forcing drivers to stop at certain points, this generally being within the Ashford area after a trip across the Channel.

The clamping scheme launched in April this year focused on stopping drivers parking on the Orbital Park, Sevington and Henwood estates.

But the problem is also present in other areas of the town, including Ellingham and Cobbs Wood estates, which are not covered by an overnight waiting ban, plus the Kingsnorth Industrial Estate and the lay-by on the A20 at Hothfield.

A full report on the scheme is due to be put together by both Ashford council and Kent County Council.

A spokesman for ABC added: "We are preparing with KCC a full report on our findings in order to determine the best way forward and this will be presented to the JTB in early December.

“Concluding the trial isn’t the end; but rather a point to reflect and then move forward.”
They added that they will use the data gathered, plus residents’ and businesses’ feedback, to establish “the way forward”.