Fifty-nine motorists have been stopped by police across Kent during a five-day crackdown targeting dangerous and unsafe drivers on the region’s busiest routes.
At the beginning of the month, officers from Kent Police’s Road Safety Unit proactively patrolled major thoroughfares, including the M20, M2, M26, M25, A2, and the A20 approach to Dover. The initiative was conducted in partnership with National Highways to identify and intercept drivers putting others at risk.
To enhance their visibility, officers utilised an elevated HGV cab loaned to the force for the duration of the campaign. The higher vantage point allowed officers to spot and record mobile phone use, lack of seatbelt compliance, and other dangerous driving behaviours far more effectively than from standard patrol vehicles.
In total, officers intercepted 31 heavy goods vehicle drivers, 10 light goods vehicle drivers, 16 public service vehicle operators, and two other motorists. Among the recorded infractions, 23 drivers were caught using mobile phones behind the wheel, seven failed to wear a seatbelt, six were not in proper control of their vehicle, five were caught speeding, four were uninsured, and eight were observed driving without due care and attention.
The operation resulted in 23 traffic offence reports being submitted alongside 23 graduated fixed penalty notices. Officers also seized two uninsured vehicles and issued verbal advice to several 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.’