A Kent MP will today call for foreign lorries to face more rigorous checks in a bid to cut the number of accidents on the county's roads.

Roger Gale, the MP for North Thanet, will urge the government to bring forward plans to inspect overseas trucks as they enter through ports like Dover and Ramsgate, to ensure they are fully roadworthy.

In a written question to be heard in the House of Commons later, Mr Gale will also ask how many foreign vehicles are involved road traffic collisions.

He said: "Foreign trucks do considerable damage to our roads without making any contribution to their upkeep.

"More importantly, these vehicles are sometimes involved in accidents that cause damage to other vehicles, as well as injury and, on occasions, death.

"Clearly Kent, as the main gateway to the UK, bears the brunt of the problem."

Mr Gale added: "I believe the time has come to introduce a much more rigorous inspection regime to ensure that all vehicles entering the UK are roadworthy and carry appropriate mirrors.

"I would also like to see departure checks to ensure that the drivers of vehicles that have been involoved in accidents do not leave our jurisdiction until cases have been heard or insurance claims settled."