Startling footage of an impatient van driver speeding along a pavement to get around a bin lorry has been shared by Thanet District Council.

The clip shows the vehicle driving along the walkway to overtake a refuse lorry in Beatrice Road, Margate, narrowly avoiding a workman.

It was posted by TDC as part of a county-wide social media campaign to raise awareness of the dangers council collection crews face when motorists choose to drive on pavements to get around recycling and waste vehicles.

Most Kent councils - including TDC - are now fitting lorries with 360-degree cameras to help fight against the “reckless and dangerous” driving.

CCTV footage, along with evidence statements from witnesses, is then sent to police to take enforcement action.

The campaign aims to "shock irresponsible, thoughtless, or impatient drivers into thinking again when driving in a rush, especially once they have seen the risks shown in the CCTV.”

Cllr Jason Savage, cabinet member for operational services, said: "This shocking footage is sadly one example of many incidents that our crews and indeed many others across the country experience while out on their rounds.

"As we collect waste and recycling from more than 65,000 properties in Thanet each week, there may be times when you need to wait behind one of our vehicles and we thank you for your patience to allow the teams to carry out their work.

"If a driver chooses to drive on the pavement however, they not only risk prosecution, but more importantly put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or worse.

"By taking part in this campaign we hope to help raise awareness and remind everyone that this kind of behaviour is just simply not acceptable."

Drivers approaching bin lorries are advised to slow down, stay back and look out for crew members - overtaking only if it is safe.