New markings have been put in place following a backlash after illegally parked cars blocked the RNLI Margate's lifeboat path to the sea.

Road markings and newly-designated yellow line areas have been put at the back of the Turner Contemporary.

Last month, the RNLI called for the public's help in a plea to stop people parking illegally and blocking their all-weather lifeboat’s sea access.

They took to Facebook to let people know that their lifeboat had once again been ‘in effect off service’ as people failed to comply with signs telling them not to park there.

People who ignored the signs and parked their cars outside the Turner Contemporary blocked the life-saving lifeboat’s access to the sea.

The issue was recognised by KCC and has now been resolved with clear road markings telling people to 'keep clear'.

Peter Barker, volunteer lifeboat press officer said: "We are very pleased and somewhat relieved that these new road markings are now in place and we thank KCC for carrying out the work as speedily as possible.

"Hopefully this will get the message over to the public that obstructing the emergency services by thoughtless parking could lead to the loss of life."

In a post on Facebook, the RNLI Margate lifeboat team thanked KCC for recognising the urgency of the issue, and too for the public's support.

The post said: "We are pleased to report that we now have new road markings (including newly designated yellow line areas) covering our launch route from the boathouse to the harbour slipway which should hopefully solve the problem of cars blocking lifeboat access.

"Can we thank KCC and the many others who recognised the urgency and prioritised the finding of a solution, also thanks to the contractors who worked through the night to install the markings.

"And lastly of course thanks to the many supporters here who shared our plight and particularly those who offered practical solutions personally, we are heartened by the show of support!

"Thank you again everyone."

The Turner Contemporary had also backed the RNLI's appeal to stop cars parking in their access route.

They stressed that parking outside the art gallery is only allowed if you have a blue disabled bage, and only in the allocated spaces.

The post in June said: “Parking outside Turner Contemporary is not allowed, apart from the marked disabled spaces.

“The reason for this is to allow room for the RNLI Margate lifeboat to launch and to allow emergency services access via the road. We were concerned that this weekend, access was blocked by large numbers of parked cars.

“We want you to enjoy your time in Margate, but allowing emergency services access is a vital concern. If unsure, please check the signage around the outside of the gallery.”