Motorists who park more than 50cm from a kerb could be fined as part of a new raft of government measures coming into force on Monday.

CCTV cameras could also come into play to enforce the rules and, if caught, offenders will receive tickets in the post.

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There will be two levels of penalty charges under the new system depending on the severity of the offence.

Motorists could be faced with a £70 fine for parking on double yellow lines or holding up traffic. Other less serious offences include overstaying on a parking meter and will carry a lower penalty of £50.

Penalty Charge Notices will simply be posted to the vehicle's registered owner, which lawyers from consumer watch group, Legal Service Which? argue will make it more difficult for motorists to appeal an unfair ticket.

Legal Service senior lawyer Joanne Lezemore said: "You could wake up one morning to find a ticket in your post, which makes it difficult to collect evidence if you want to appeal.

"If you receive a ticket that you think is unfair, it is still well worth appealing as statistics show that many tickets do get overturned."

But ministers argue the Civil Parking Enforcement Regulations will give motorists a fairer and more transparent system.

Authorities across Kent agreed the new regulations will support their work in providing a consistent parking service across the county.

Cllr Tony Martin, deputy leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: "Councils in Kent already collaborate to ensure consistency and transparency and these new rules mean all councils in the country will be offering the same level of enforcement."

Sevenoaks District Council portfolio holder for the built environment, Cllr Gary Williamson, said: "We welcome the new regulations which will help standardise and improve the service people receive from parking enforcement."

Rodney Marsh, spokesman from the RAC Foundation, said: "We don't have a problem with the new regulations as long as the people governing this are properly trained and able to look for the right factors and apply basic common sense."

As at present, penalties will be discounted by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.