Drivers who park on keep clear areas outside schools and on double yellow lines in villages are to be targeted in a trial safety campaign in Thanet.

Kent County Council will pay for a rapid response motorcycle patrol to tackle offenders who could face fines of up to £70 if they get caught.

The one-year trial that Thanet council will start from April will be the first in Kent. Letters will be sent to Thanet’s 54 schools to give advance warning.

Charles Hibberd, chairman of KCC Highways Advisory Board, said: “Kent Highway Services get a lot of calls from members of the public reporting illegal and unsafe parking outside schools and in remote rural locations. It is important for children, parents and residents in these areas that we make them as safe as we can.

“The motorcycle patrol will swoop on offenders much quicker than at present. This will act as a deterrent to those who park illegally. It will also make our roads much safer for everyone, especially children.”

Andy Somers , principal at Hartsdown Technology College in margate, said: “Senior staff and the local Police Community safety Officer already patrol the area outside the campus gates at peak times to monitor safety.

“However we applaud any initiaitive that will improve safety for students and pedestrians outside out gates.”

Labour county councillor for Ramsgate Alan Poole was at the advisory board meeting where the pilot scheme was discussed. He welcomed the move and said: “Inconsiderate parking outside schools is extremely dangerous and a major cause of complaints, as well as being a real hassle for most motorists and pedestrians”.

Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, Thanet council cabinet member for commercial and environmental services, said: “When people complain about poor parking outside of schools or in villages, it takes our officers time to get there and the problems may have gone by the time they arrive. By offering a faster response, we should be able to tackle the problems that matter to our residents.”