Police will step-up patrols for motorists parking on double yellow lines, says Chief Inspector Steve Barlow.

He was speaking at the annual public meeting in Sandwich after former councillor and Sandwich resident, Simon Leith raised his concerns.

He said traffic congestion in Cattle Market is due to vehicles parking around the junction on the double yellow lines.

Insp Barlow said: “I have to say this is the first time its been brought to my attention but the PCSOs are aware of some difficulties there.”

He explained that police step-in if there is an obstruction otherwise it is down to the civil enforcement officers at Dover District Council.

Mr Leith said: “My concern is that a civil enforcement officer will say that’s an obstruction that’s nothing to do with me and police will say that’s parking on double yellow lines that’s the civil enforcement officers.

“For a cyclist on there you take your life into your hands.”

He explained as a six foot tall man, in a high-vis jacket, he has still been nearly knocked-down from his bike in Cattle Market.

Cllr Paul Carter, of Sandwich Town Council, said the worst times for illegal parking were on a Wednesday afternoon when the school’s are closed and a Friday night when people park up to get takeaways.

Insp Barlow assured residents that police will be stepping up patrols in this area soon - but would not say when for obvious reasons.

He said: “A plan of action is happening relatively soon.”

Roger Walton, director of environment and corporate assets at DDC said: “Civil enforcement officers do patrol in Sandwich. In this instance it could be that more patrols are needed.”

He said he would take this information back to the office and see if DDC could implement more patrols.