Three arrested in Folkestone road safety operation

An operation to target criminality on the roads in Folkestone has resulted in three arrests and 26 traffic offences dealt with.

On Friday 21 March 2025, Kent Police officers worked with the Kent Special Constabulary and officers from Folkestone and Hythe District Council to carry out patrols of Park Farm, Middleburg Square, Tontine Street and the surrounding areas.

Arrests

A footchase across two levels of a multi-storey car park was carried out by an officer after a vehicle was seen driving the wrong way up a one-way road and failed to stop when requested to do so.

The driver got out of the vehicle and tried to run, but was quickly apprehended by police. The 43 year old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and traffic offences.

Two more arrests were made in connection with suspected drug driving, a 33 year old man was stopped in Middleburg Square, and a 48 year old man was detained in Cheriton Road.

All three men arrested during the operation have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Reported for offences

During the day a total of 26 traffic offence reports were issued. Seven people were reported in relation to failure to wear seatbelts, five were reported for using a mobile phone at the wheel, and other issues included incorrect window tints, damaged lights, unsafe loads, illegal tyres and an exhaust not conforming to standards on a motorcycle.

People were also reported for not having the correct documentation for vehicles, such as MOT certificates and two drivers had their cars seized after it was found they were not insured.

Four penalty notices were also issued and police spoke to a further 30 people to give advice about safer driving. Council officers focused on issues relating to taxi licensing and waste carrier licences.

PC Kevin Marsh said:

‘The focus of our operation was to tackle those who are more likely to cause problems on the roads around Folkestone. Anyone who gets behind the wheel without the correct driving licence, or insurance, or who has not maintained their vehicle to a roadworthy standard, can all become a risk to others on the road. ‘Working with teams, such as the Road Safety Unit and our partner agencies, meant that we were able to cover a wide range of potential offending and disrupt criminality from taking place. We hope this work reminds people about the importance of road safety.’