Police are launching a crackdown on parents ignoring parking restrictions when dropping off their kids at school.

Kent Police will be giving new powers to Public Community Support Officers to issue on the spot fines for drivers who park in restricted areas outside schools.

PCSOs have powers to deal with antisocial behaviours, alcohol and traffic management but if these plans get the green light, they will have the power to hand out fines outside the school gates.

Kent Police's Chief Inspector Andy Gadd said: "‘Kent Police has agreed further powers for PCSOs which include issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for parking in restricted areas outside schools.

"This power will use Local Authority Legislation to enable PCSOs to issue fines that are only normally given by Local Authority Civil Enforcement Officers.

"This power has not yet been implemented and is currently going through a review process to ensure that all legal requirements are met.

"As with all new powers, officers will follow a training plan to ensure they understand this new role and to prepare them for their duties."

There are 13 PCSOs working in Dartford and 14 in Gravesham with recruitment for more officers underway.

PCSOs will be able to issue fines to drivers who ignore zones usually marked out by zig-zag lines or double yellow lines outside schools as they drop and pick their kids up during rush hour periods.

In schemes on other counties FPN can cost between £60 and £120 depending on how quickly they are paid.