Lorry drivers have been told to stop using slip roads and the hard shoulder on the M20 for rest breaks.

Kent Police have noticed an increase in the number of incidents where both British and foreign-registered lorries have been found using illegal, inappropriate and unsafe areas for parking.

Police officers and traffic officers from Highways England have been working to move offending vehicles on when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Superintendent Ian Hall said "Parking on the hard shoulders and slip roads of motorways is not only unlawful but mostly unsafe for both the lorry driver themselves and other road users and we have been regularly moving on vehicles with traffic officers from Highways England.

"When we speak to HGV drivers, we try to educate them about the dangers that parking at these locations pose to themselves and other motorists. If they fail to move on or we find repeat offenders, we do look at escalating the matter to a criminal offence where tickets are issued and/or lorries are immobilised.

"Haulage operators and drivers are expected find adequate, safe and appropriate places to park their vehicles when drivers require rest breaks".

A multi-agency group that includes the Police, Highways England, local authorities and transport groups has been set up to take enforcement action and educate companies and drivers.