Drivers across Canterbury and Herne Bay got an expensive reminder to wear a seatbelt and keep their speed down in a special police operation at the weekend.

Thirteen motorists were given a £60 fine for not wearing a seatbelt and four received £60 fines and points on their licences for speeding during the operation, which was part of national Specials weekend.

Road checks

Members of Kent Special Constabulary, who give up their time to support the work of police across the district, teamed up with police officers from the roads policing unit and the motorcycle unit to carry out road checks at six locations.

On Saturday 6 February, checks were carried out on the A2990 at Greenhill, Island Road in Sturry, Canterbury Road in Thanington, Broad Oak Road and Sturry Road. A further check was carried out on Mickleburgh Hill in Herne Bay the following day.

Keeping Kent's roads safe

The specials team contributed an additional 154 policing hours during the weekend and Special Inspector Alan Watson said: 'In addition to those who were dealt with for offences, the team spoke to more than 200 drivers about road safety during the weekend.

'It was an opportunity to highlight the five major causes of death or injury on the roads – excess speed; not using seatbelts; mobile phone usage; driving with excess alcohol or under the influence of drugs and driving uninsured or untaxed vehicles.

'We are grateful to our regular colleagues from the bike team and roads policing who joined in the operation and gave guidance where needed.'

Vehicle seizure and fines 

Other drivers were fined for illegal number plates, excessively tinted windows and the misuse of fog lights. One car was also seized as the driver had no insurance.

Join the specials

Find out more about becoming a special constable on the Kent Special Constabulary web pages.

A specials recruitment evening will be held at Nackington police station in Canterbury at 7pm on Wednesday 24 February. You can find out more on the specials recruitment pages.

Posted on: 9 February 2010