Parents could face being “banned” from smoking outside school gates under voluntary schemes being considered by Kent County Council.

The council - which has responsibility for public health - is exploring whether it can establish an initiative to curb smoking by parents outside schools.

It is in discussion with schools in Ashford and Canterbury about the idea but would be unable to enforce a ban as it does not have the powers to do so.

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Cllr Graham Gibbens, KCC cabinet member for public health, said one option could be for councillors to use local grant money they receive to spend on initiatives in their area to pay for signs outside schools.

“Last year I promoted the idea of smoke free play areas in my [Canterbury] division in the hope that other members might pick up the idea.

"This year I am promoting the idea [of a ban outside school] but it is not legally enforceable.”

A statement from KCC said: “We are considering the smoke-free school gates initiative in various parts of Kent identified as having higher than average smoking prevalence rates.

"The aim is to provide a smoke-free environment for children and their families to enjoy, help protect children from the effects of second-hand smoke, and reduce the number of children who start smoking after being influenced by those who do.”

In Ashford, 12 parks have also put up signs encouraging smokers not to do so.

The number of people smoking in Kent is estimated to be 19%, slightly above the national rate of 18.4% in 2014.

About 221,000 people in Kent smoke, with the numbers highest in socially deprived areas.