MOTORISTS in a Kent village are being asked to be mindful of where they leave their vehicles after a series of incidents where cars have been parked illegally.

For a number of months cars have often been parked fully on the pavement in the High Street at Newington, near Sittingbourne.

This has caused obstructions on an already busy road and restricted access to pedestrians whose only other option is to walk on the road.

Cllr John Wright, who represents Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch, said: “Parking in this manner is completely thoughtless and shows no respect to pedestrians or other homeowners.

"Pavements are being blocked, forcing pedestrians onto the road and making it almost impossible for people with disabilities to use the pavement at all."

He added: "Neighbours are having their sightlines to their drives reduced by these people’s actions which are completely unacceptable and a nuisance to the local community.

"This is also a problem in other areas, particularly our high streets where vehicles drive up and onto the pavement.

"The council and its partners in the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership welcome the police's actions to reduce this potentially dangerous activity which receives many complaints from the public."

Sgt Darren Ryder, of the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team, said: “People parking in this manner show no respect to any other road users, both motorists and pedestrians.

"If we see anyone parking in this manner they will first receive a letter from us asking them to stop.

"Anyone found to be persistently parking in an anti-social manner anywhere in the Mid Kent area faces having their car towed away and I hope this is a clear message that it simply will not be tolerated”.

If you notice cars parking illegally around Mid Kent contact the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team on 01795 419119 or your own local policing team.