Target lay-by parking to pave way for lorry parks

County transport chiefs say plans for a series of lorry parks in Kent depend on the government being prepared to make it unlawful for HGVs to park in laybys and residential roads.

Kent County Council has earmarked a number of potential sites for round-the-clock lorry parks but says they cannot be developed until ministers agree to a change in the law.

The council has launched a consultation over its Freight Action Plan, setting out a series of steps and policies it believes are essential if the county is to cope with a rise in HGV traffic.

A key element is creating at least three 24-hour truck stops – in addition to the proposed park at Stanford – to counter what has been dubbed “fly-parking”.

Cllr Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for transport, said it would be inappropriate to identify the possible sites until steps were taken to make it an offence to park in unauthorised places.

“I have asked the minister for a specific change in the law, which says HGVs over a certain weight should not be parked anywhere other than an authorised place for longer than a few minutes.”

The scale of the problem of illegally parked HGVs was underlined by a survey carried out last September when officials during three days recorded 1,973 lorries parked in side streets and residential areas.

Swale had the largest number – 352 – followed by Canterbury and Ashford. Tonbridge and Malling registered 220 and Maidstone 87.

Consultation on the council’s freight plan will end on March 12. Go to kent.gov.uk/freight actionplan for more information