A crackdown on motorists in Folkestone and Hythe who ignore the law starts on Thursday after residents complained about a rise in the problem.

People who flout the rules and park either partly or completely on the pavement will face fixed penalty fines.

Police said parking in such a way was selfish, dangerous and also expensive to repair pavements damaged by cars.

Pc Andy Mundy said: "This type of selfish behaviour is not only dangerous to pedestrians who, on many occasions have to walk into the road to get around the vehicles, but it is also extremely expensive to Shepway Council and Kent Highways.

"Pavements are not constructed to take the weight of vehicles and a substantial amount of damage is caused by drivers who insist on parking their cars on the pavement."