Kent County Council could bring in its own law to stop lorry drivers parking in residential side-streets, forcing hauliers to use new lorry parks.

The possibility of a new law comes after doubts were expressed about whether HGV drivers would pay to use three new parks planned by county transport chiefs.

The first, at a site at Westenhanger at Junction 11 of the M20, could open in 2018.

But barely a week after the park plan was unveiled, the county council scrapped one of the three sites it was considering.

It has dumped its plan for one at White Cliffs Business Park, Dover, after objections from Dover council chiefs.

County councillors said parks would only work if lorry drivers were compelled to use them and even if KCC make parking by HGVs in residential streets illegal, it would be impossible to enforce.

Cllr Andrew Wickham (Con) said he agreed with the idea but hauliers may be reluctant to use them.

“The whole thing is not going to work unless we have enforcement. A lot of drivers do not want to pay the money. We need a sea change of opinion...lorry drivers who come to this country will have to go into a lorry park. That may require a change in the law.”

UKIP county councillor Mike Baldock said he doubted whether any law would succeed.

“Can we expect the police to enforce this? They do not have the resources....I find it hard to believe that the police will pursue errant lorry drivers instead of murderers.”

Cabinet member for transport Cllr David Brazier confirmed KCC would exam what options there could be to bring in legislation.

The sites earmarked by KCC are

• Westenhanger, adjacent to Stop24, on the M20 at Junction 11 - 300 places

• Land adjacent to Ashford International Truckstop - 278 places