A driver was left red-faced after attempting to outsmart Canterbury city centre’s anti-terror bollard system.

They tried to tailgate another vehicle which had permission to enter the city in Burgate.

But their attempt to beat the blockade came up short when the bollards rose up and lifted the rear of the Hyundai off the ground.

In a relief for the embarrassed driver, the car was not badly damaged and was able to make off after being freed from its entrapment.

The bizarre-looking incident happened on the first day the defence system was re-introduced following lockdown.

The £800,000 scheme, which has resulted in more than 100 bollards being placed around the city, is in operation every day between 10.30am and 4pm.

During that time, only a select few vehicles are allowed access.

Council spokesman Leo Whitlock said: “This incident is a warning to drivers not to tailgate and attempt to follow another car into the city centre when the bollards are lowered - please read the signs and only drive forward when there is a green light.

“The overwhelming majority of vehicles are not allowed in the city centre at all. Those that want to gain access must talk individually to our team in the control room before they are allowed to proceed.”

The bollards are designed to keep a hostile vehicle away from the city centre, and were installed following advice from counter-terror police.

Council chief executive Colin Carmichael said: “As restrictions are eased, it is more important than ever that we keep everyone safe and the streets in the pedestrianised zone as traffic free as we can.”

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