The problem of heavy lorries taking shortcuts through Wingham near Canterbury has been raised in Parliament by South Thanet MP Laura Sandys.

The Tory MP has now received a commitment from the Under-Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning that he will “look into the issue” which is blighting residents along the A257.

She explained that drivers frequently found themselves 'bonnet to bonnet’ with huge articulated trucks in the village on a very narrow A road.

The minister was asked what could be done by the satellite navigation providers to distinguish between rural A roads and dual carriageways to encourage traffic to opt for the main routes rather than the quickest route.

Mrs Sandys, who has been campaigning for a solution for residents living along the A257, said: “The residents of Wingham have endured heavy traffic and relentless speeds for too long.

"Despite being a small road, the A257 has become a real nuisance to local people and has also become dangerous.”

“More must be done if we are to preserve the character and charm of the villages along the A257.

"I am pushing for new signs to direct HGVs onto the new East Kent Access Road and have also called for the road to be reclassified.

“Following my question in Parliament, I am delighted the minister has agreed to address the problem of sat navs that so frequently direct traffic down our smaller rural A roads.”

Last week the Gazette reported how the Kent County Council is considering lowering the maximum speed on the road from 60mph to 50mph and a formal consultation will begin soon.

Elections for seats on Canterbury City Council and Dover District Council take place in May.