PM pledges to tackle the blight of lorry fly-parking

The Prime Minister has vowed to find a solution to the widespread problem of illegal lorry parking in Kent.

The pledge came after the issue of HGVs parking in lay-bys and side roads was raised by the Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Mrs Whately said action was needed on what was becoming a growing problem as freight traffic increases throughout Kent and the South East.

Ashford has been plagued for years by lorries parking at night on its numerous industrial estates and in some residential areas.

Mrs Whately asked the Prime Minister to consider making what has been dubbed fly-parking illegal.

She said: “Across the country and particularly in Kent, lorry fly-parking is a blight – it’s anti-social and dangerous. Will the Prime Minister support my campaign for more lorry parking spaces, more effective enforcement and, ultimately, a ban on lorries parking in unauthorised places?”

In response, Theresa May said: “I recognise the concern. This is one I think that is shared by many Kent MPs who see this problem only too closely in their own constituencies.

“Can I assure her that the government shares the desire to ensure that we don’t see this flyparking of lorries across Kent, that we do provide suitable lorry parking facilities in Kent.”

“I know the roads minister is looking at this issue very carefully indeed. I recognise from my time as Home Secretary, the pressure at particular times that can be put on the roads, villages and towns in Kent in relation to this.”

“It’s something the government is working on and we will find a solution.”

Kent County Council has recently established a freight group to consider ways in which to provide more facilities for HGV drivers and to put pressure on the authorities to take measures to stop the blight.

A scheme by KCC and Ashford Borough Council to tackle the problem by fining lorry drivers and clamping their vehicles on designated industrial estate in Ashford has achieved some success.

But many parts of Ashford still suffer from illegally parked lorries.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Prime Minister Theresa May and lorries parked at Orbital Park, Ashford