Jacob Rees-Mogg has hit out at a council leader's "crazy" plan to introduce traffic zones in Canterbury.

The former cabinet minister took to social media to criticise plans to divide the city into five areas and ban residents from driving directly between them.

The radical proposal, which is currently under consultation, would impose fines on motorists travelling between the neighbourhoods, with those behind the plan hoping it will ease the city centre's long-lasting gridlock.

But opponents, including councillors from opposition parties and Tory rebels, believe it will simply make life difficult for residents.

Posting on Twitter, Mr Rees-Mogg said the proposition was "crazy".

"The Tory party ought to be on the side of the motorist," he added.

Council leader Ben Fitter-Harding responded by saying much of the controversy surrounding the proposal overlooks its road plans - including a bypass - that would "improve journey times".

"I'm pleased to see ministers taking an interest in our draft Local Plan, which includes the provision for significant road improvements such as the Eastern Bypass and new junctions onto the A2," he said.

"Much of the coverage of the draft has focussed on the changes to improve public transport, cycling and walking in the city of Canterbury and missed these huge and much needed road interventions that will improve journey times for drivers and enable through-traffic to bypass the city altogether.

"I've offered Jacob Rees-Mogg MP and other MPs a briefing on the council's draft so that they can fully understand the details of what it proposes."

Cllr Fitter-Harding reiterated the fact it is an idea for at least 15 years into the future, if it is needed, and it is only at the consultation stage.

He added: "Make no mistake, I and my colleagues believe cars, and the freedom of motorists to complete their journeys quickly and efficiently, are a vital part of the transport mix. We will continue to press to ensure that our next Local Plan provides improvements for all."

Other vocal critics of the scheme have included former MEP and media personality Nigel Farage, Spectator columnist Rod Liddle, and climate change denier Piers Corbyn.

Mr Farage described the proposal as "dystopian" and a form of "climate change lockdown".

Mr Rees-Mogg's comments came after a Conservative councillor was suspended from the party for giving the plans the same "crazy" label.

Cllr Fitter-Harding suspended Cllr Colin Spooner after he spoke out to criticise the leadership over the proposal.

Having told The Telegraph Cllr Fitter-Harding had "lost the plot", he reiterated the criticism to KentOnline, saying the scheme would have a major impact on the party at May's local elections.

But Cllr Fitter-Harding then moved to suspend Cllr Spooner, stating: "It is with much regret that this morning, following the publication of an article in The Telegraph, I have taken the decision to suspend Cllr Spooner from the Conservative Group for 21 days pending further investigation."

The leader highlighted two statements attributed to Cllr Spooner, who was quoted in the Telegraph as saying: “It’s a crazy idea – the leader, who has lost the plot, in my view, is trying to implement something that the Belgian city of Ghent has, but Canterbury is nothing like Ghent, nobody wants this.

“In implementing this, it’s committing political disarray and the Conservatives will not control Canterbury after May. My belief is that the Conservatives from top to bottom – from central government down to local government – are absolutely ruined.”

Cllr Fitter-Harding added in an email to party councillors: "I would like to stress that it is not Cllr Spooner's concerns about the Canterbury Circulation Plan that give me cause for concern, but his comments regarding the national party, local party and myself.

"In accordance with the Rules for Conservative Council Groups I will investigate this matter and, if necessary, call an extraordinary Group meeting to present my findings for your consideration."

Speaking to KentOnline, Cllr Spooner said the move to suspend him was "petty" and stated he had now officially resigned from the party and the Conservative group in Canterbury.

"It's absolutely a petty move," he said. "I know I attacked him as a person but that's my democratic right. I can do that. I'm not afraid to stand by my values.

"I just said he's lost the plot; that's nothing more than what Labour and Lib Dems have said before.

"He and I have never seen eye to eye but that's another story. I think it's petty and immature to suspend an eight-year councillor who's served as Lord Mayor and district sheriff."

Cllr Spooner said he would serve the rest of his term as an independent councillor and stand as an independent for Seasalter in May.

Responding to Mr Rees-Mogg, Cllr Fitter-Harding tweeted to address the former minister's concern.

"We are [on the side of the motorist], that’s why we’re proposing to build a new bypass for the city," he said, offering to "personally brief" Mr Rees-Mogg.

"We’re also on the side of public transport, walking and cycling, which need huge improvement in our city and district," he added.