An operation to target illegal and antisocial lorry parking has reached a milestone with more than 5,000 vehicles dealt with in just over 18 months.

A total of 5,019 lorries have been moved on, fined or immobilised by officers from Kent Police and Highways England since the joint enforcement operation started in December 2015.

A total 4,294 HGVs were moved on because they were parked illegally or inappropriately and 18 others were dealt with for other traffic offences.

Fixed penalty notices have been issued to 695 drivers. A total 12 HGVs were immobilised after initially refusing to pay their fines.

Under the operation, officers patrol key locations including the A2 near Cobham and Lydden, the M20 and A20 between junction 9 and Dover, and the M2 at Farthing Corner.

Ch Insp Peter Steenhuis from the roads policing unit said: "There are more lorries on the roads of Kent than ever before and that is having an impact on the wider road network and local communities.

"We appreciate that HGV drivers are under pressure to meet legal requirements about taking rest breaks and driving hours.

“But it is completely unacceptable to endanger other road users and park on slip roads and the hard shoulder.

"We continue to urge HGV drivers to plan their journeys in advance and to use official, legal and safe facilities for parking while they take their breaks."