Lorry drivers parked in a lay-by off Blue Bell Hill near Maidstone learnt about new Brexit travel regulations the hard way this morning.

In order to mitigate against any traffic chaos following the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, KCC has taken up new powers which forbid vehicles of over five tons parking for longer than 45 minutes in any street in the boroughs of Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Swale or Thanet, other than in designated areas.

Of course, the county does not have the capacity to police every road in those boroughs, but it is carrying out "targeted" checks.

One of those places being targeted is the lay-by in Chatham Road, near the Lower Bell pub, which is a popular spot for Continent-bound lorry drivers to kip over-night.

Half a dozen lorries were clamped this morning, with their drivers obliged to pay a £150 release fee and a £35 penalty charge before they could move on.

The restriction applies to all streets, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is not specifically signposted in the lay-by.

There are some exceptions, where HGVs can continue to park.

These are lay-bys on the A249 between M20 Junction 7 and M2 Junction 5; on the A299 between M2 Junction 7 and junction with A256, and on the A256 between the junction with A299 and junction with A2.

Dedicated parking for HGVs is also available at:

Maidstone services – M20 Junction 8

Medway services – M2, located between Junctions 4 and 5

STOP 24 services – Channel Ports Truck Stop – M20 Junction 11

Ashford International Truck Stop – Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford. TN24 0GB

Dover Truck Park – Menzies Road, Port Zone. Whitfield. Dover. CT16 2HQ.

Additionally, drivers of HGVs are permitted to stop for their short break (45 minutes) as defined by the EU drivers' hours regulations.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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