Fresh concerns have been raised over the noise the M20 smart motorway upgrade could cause.

Highways England removed trees earlier this year as it aims to expand the M20 between junction three and five.

Despite residents' complaints over an increase in noise, noise barriers are not being installed all the way along the new-look carriageways.

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat raised his constituents concerns' with transport minister Jesse Norman today.

Addressing the speaker of the House of Commons, Mr Tugendhat said: "As were approaching the summer and traffic will be travelling down the m20 I'm sure you like me will wish to have a speedy exit towards the coast.

"Would the minister please explain to me what he is doing on the smart motorways programme on the m20 not just to make sure it works but also to make sure the community is protected from noise.

Transport under secretary Jesse Norman replied: "I'm very glad he mentions noise because that is a topic of great interest to us and we're actively exploring whether or not we can bring to noise capturing, and concerns locally about that, the same kind of concerns that we're bringing to the structure of the highway."

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch joined Mr Tugendhat in a meeting with Highways England on Monday to discuss the smart motorway scheme.

Once built, the stretch of motorway will have an extra lane of traffic by replacing the hard shoulder.

Replacing the hard shoulder will be five new emergency refuge areas while emergency roadside telephones and CCTV cameras will also be installed.