MP Charlie Elphicke has branded the 40mph limit on the A20 as “shameful”.

Mr Elphicke has branded Highways England, which is responsible for the temporary speed restriction, as not fit for purpose.

The Dover and Deal MP said he is meeting with the roads minister Andrew Jones next week to demand action.

Mr Elphicke said: “The situation on the 40mph limit on the A20 is shameful.

“Highways England is not fit for purpose so I’m going to the roads minister to demand action and that he get a grip on the failing Highways England and that improvements are made as soon as possible.

“I hope that once I’ve met with him that we will see progress.

“Highways England is unable to react in a sensible way without being instructed how to do their job by the roads minister.

“I don’t understand why they can’t get on with it.”

This comes after many motorists have raised concerns about the speed restrictions which have caused frustration for commuters.

“Highways England is not fit for purpose so I’m going to the roads minister to demand action and that he get a grip on the failing Highways England and that improvements are made as soon as possible." - Mr Elphicke

Residents are also concerned that speeding tickets are not being issued to foreign lorry drivers.

A further 12 foreign lorries were stopped and drivers issued with speeding tickets on Monday after officers recorded speeds of between 50mph and 53mph in the 40mph zone.

HGVs were also fined for using lane two and for drivers exceeding the legal amount of hours they are allowed to drive.

Highways England claims the restrictions were brought in to try and prevent congestion.

The authority is aware of concerns and its aim is to improve the traffic flow for drivers.

Highways England spokesman Andrew Broughton said: “Since the new road layout was introduced on the A20 last year it has been used successfully to keep Dover moving and freight flowing.

“It controls the flow of freight traffic through Dover in order to avoid the heavy congestion that had been increasingly and regularly experienced before its introduction.”