Dangerous drivers stopped as part of joint Kent operation

Fifty nine motorists were stopped during a 5 day operation targeting dangerous drivers across Kent.

At the beginning of July officers from Kent Police’s Road Safety Unit proactively patrolled across the M20, M2, M26, M25, A2 and A20 approach to Dover.

The operation is part of a joint initiative with National Highways to target motorists seen driving dangerously or in an unsafe manner.

During the five days officers were able to utilise a specialist HGV cab which was loaned to the force. The cab gave officers a higher viewpoint which allowed them to spot and record dangerous driving offences more easily.

Over the course of the operation 31 HGV lorry drivers were stopped along with 10 motorists who were driving LGVs. Sixteen drivers of public service vehicles were also stopped along with 2 other drivers.

Of those stopped 23 were seen using their mobile phone while behind the wheel, 6 were not in proper control of their vehicle, 7 were not wearing their seatbelt, 5 were caught speeding and 4 were found to have been driving without insurance. A further 8 motorists were also driving without due care.

Following these offences 23 traffic offence reports were submitted along with the same number of graduated fixed penalty notices. Officers seized 2 vehicles and words of advice were provided to other motorists.

Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing said: ‘This is a joint operation which we have regularly taken part in and once again officers have identified a number of motorists who were knowingly putting others at risk. ‘The rules are there to abide by and we will continue to seek to find and deal with those drivers who do not follow the rules. ‘Our main priority is to keep the people of Kent safe, and we will continue to take part in operations like these to ensure those motorists who break the law and put other’s lives in danger face the consequences of their actions.’