Kent County Council will have special powers to clamp illegally parked lorries from January 1.

For the first time, the authority will be able to clamp and issue penalty notices to drivers in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Swale and Thanet.

With Brexit looming, the government expects illegal lorry parking to be an issue in the areas in and around the M2 and A2, as well as the M20, A256 and A299 in the east of the county.

KCC leader Roger Gough said: “We recognise that antisocial HGV parking is already a problem in Kent and something that will most likely become worse once we have left the EU.

“I’m grateful to the government for giving us these temporary powers which will act as a deterrent to any HGV driver and ensure that compliance is greater, meaning key routes on Kent’s road network are kept clear.

“Though we have worked hard on traffic management plans in conjunction with our partners, we cannot guarantee there will not be a certain amount of freight turned back from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or from the Manston or Sevington sites if paperwork is not in order.

“If this is the case HGV’s are expected to return to their base of operation but it seems more likely they would simply move onto the local road network and wait to become ready – these powers help highlight that this is not acceptable.”

The council is now arranging contracts for the seven boroughs to be patrolled, and extra signage is being installed.

KCC’s Director of Highways Simon Jones said: “Drivers who are taking short statutory breaks will be exempt from enforcement, and we will endeavour to work with HGV drivers to help and encourage them find safe and appropriate locations to park for longer periods.

“As such we will be taking a reasonable but targeted approach to enforcement, for example, if an HGV was parked up in an official location and not causing an obstruction or nuisance, we would be seeking not to enforce.

“Keeping Kent’s roads safe and clear is our priority and these powers will encourage HGV’s drivers using our network to consider other road users and Kent’s residents.”

A pilot scheme which saw lorries parked illegally around Ashford clamped and fined was deemed a huge success, and has seen thousands of lorries fined since its inception in 2017.

Originally only a temporary measure, it has now been made a permanent fixture on the borough's main roads.

Keep up-to-date with developments on transport and stories that will impact how you travel

Read more: All the latest news from Kent