An ugly scene is greeting overseas visitors to Ramsgate, as dozens of huge lorries straddle parking spaces and mount roadside kerbs close to the town’s ferry terminal.

Increasing numbers are parking up on Western Undercliff after arriving from the Belgian port of Ostend.

Local residents say that many truckers are breaking the law by each taking up several spaces and failing to display a valid parking ticket.

Others claim to have spotted urine and human excrement in the street and on the beach.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “If you parked your car on double yellow lines in Ramsgate, you’d almost certainly end up with a ticket, yet you park a big rig taking up four designated car spaces in a tourist area and nothing happens.

“The law should be upheld for the residents of Ramsgate and visitors alike.”

There are now calls for the problem to be addressed ahead of the arrival of the Euroferries service between Ramsgate and Boulogne, which it is hoped will bring more tourists to Thanet.

For full story, see the Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday April 15.