French exchange police on patrol

Three French police officers have gone on patrol in Kent as part of an exchange scheme.

The Gendarmerie Nationale officers will work alongside Kent Police for three days, looking into issues such as the disruption caused by foreign lorries.

The aim of the exchange is for officers to find out more about the other force.

In August three officers from Kent visited the Pas de Calais region of northern France in an attempt to reduce accidents involving British drivers.

The visit by the Gendarmerie Nationale coincides with the start of French school holidays when traffic to the UK is expected to be high.

'French counterparts'

The French officers will observe vehicles being checked by Kent Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) at the Port of Dover.

They will also look at Operation Stack and be taken to a lay by on the A20 to explore the problems generated by lorries parking.

Speaking before their visit, Ch Insp Roscoe Walford said: "We are looking forward to welcoming our French counterparts and completing the exchange process.

"Our officers gained a great deal from working with the Gendarmerie Nationale in August and I am sure the French officers will also benefit from their experience in Kent."