Guston, Kingsdown & St Margaret's-at-Cliffe

Road safety issues.

Following feedback from our recent community survey, road safety has been identified as a key concern for people living in this mostly rural area, where there are narrow lanes, faster roads, and road users such as horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians.

In response, we have been carrying out a mix of high-visibility and targeted patrols using vehicles, on foot and on police bicycles, which allow officers to reach areas that are harder to access by car. Patrols focus on key routes and known problem areas, using information from the community to address issues such as speeding, dangerous driving and nuisance vehicles.

We work closely with local parish councils, who regularly share concerns and information. Recent reports have included antisocial use of motorbikes and vehicles, and patrols have been increased in these areas, supported by appropriate signage.

You may also see Community Speedwatch volunteers carrying out roadside speed checks. These are trained local volunteers who help monitor speeds and remind drivers to slow down. Where necessary, follow-up visits may be carried out by local police officers.

Officers also carry out roadside checks to make sure drivers are safe to drive and that vehicles meet legal standards, with action taken where needed.

We encourage residents to continue reporting concerns about road safety and antisocial vehicle use to Kent Police, as this information helps us focus our patrols and take action where it is most needed.

Drink/drug driving.

Following feedback from our recent community survey, drink and drug driving has been identified as a key concern for residents in the Guston, Kingsdown and St Margaret’s area. In response, we have continued both high-visibility and unmarked patrols across the area, on foot, by bicycle and in vehicles, with a focus on road safety and drivers suspected of being over the legal limit for drink or drugs.

We rely on information from the public to help tackle this issue. Reports help us identify repeat offenders and allow officers to stop vehicles and take action where offences are found. Targeted road safety operations have also been carried out, including checkpoints where drivers are stopped to make sure they are fit to drive, that their vehicles are safe, and that they have the correct documents. Where appropriate, drivers may be tested for alcohol or drugs.

Officers have also been visiting local pubs and other licensed premises to provide a visible police presence, help prevent offending and address the issue at its source. We continue to work closely with these venues to promote responsible drinking and reduce the risk of drink and drug driving.

We remain committed to making our roads safer for everyone. If you have information about someone driving under the influence, please contact Kent Police or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Dog fouling.

Dog fouling has been identified as a priority for residents in the Guston, Kingsdown and St Margaret’s area. In response, we have been working closely with Dover District Council’s Environmental Crime Team and the local dog warden, carrying out regular joint foot patrols in known problem areas. These patrols focus on speaking with dog owners, encouraging responsible behaviour and promoting the rules that require people to clean up after their pets.

Dover District Council leads on enforcement and can issue fines to anyone who does not clean up after their dog, with more serious or repeated offences taken to court. Kent Police supports this work through visible patrols, sharing information and helping to address ongoing issues. We also respond to incidents involving dangerous or out-of-control dogs where police action is needed.

High-visibility patrols continue across the area, both on foot and using marked police bicycles, to provide reassurance and respond to concerns raised by the community. If you are affected by dog fouling, you are encouraged to report this to Dover District Council so that action can be taken. If you have information about those responsible, or concerns about dangerous dogs, please contact Kent Police so we can support our partners and take appropriate action.