Police and highways officers have dealt with more than 2,700 HGVs parked unsafely and illegally on Kent's roads since a crackdown began last December.

Officers from the two agencies have been actively targeting lorries stopping on the hard shoulder and motorway slip roads as part of a bid to tackle antisocial and illegal behaviour by long-distance drivers.

Chief Inspector Amanda Tillotson from Kent Policesaid: "While we have noticed an improvement in behaviour and attitudes, there are still some HGV drivers who think they are above the law and continue to park illegally and antisocially on hard shoulders and motorway slip roads.

"This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Kent.

"The hard shoulder is not for rest breaks – it is for the use of broken down vehicles and the emergency services."

In 10 months, Kent Police has moved on 2,249 lorries, issued 476 graduated fixed penalty notices and immobilised nine vehicles at safe locations until their fines were paid.

As part of their regular patrols, officers visit key locations including the M20 at junctions eight, 11 and 13, the A2 near Cobham and Canterbury, the M2 Farthing Corner, and the A20 at Capel-le-Ferne.

Chief Inspector Tillotson said: "Our message is simple – illegal and unsafe parking on our county’s roads will not be tolerated and those travelling long distances should take responsibility for planning their journeys."