Kent: Dangerous drivers caught in major police crackdown as motorists face fines and vehicle seizures

Nearly 60 motorists have been stopped during a five-day police crackdown on dangerous driving across Kent, with offenders facing penalties including fines, penalty points and vehicle seizures.

Officers from Kent Police's Roads Policing Unit carried out the operation at the beginning of July, patrolling some of the county's busiest roads, including the M20, M2, M25, M26, A2 and the A20 approach to Dover.

The initiative was carried out in partnership with National Highways and aimed at identifying motorists driving dangerously or breaking road traffic laws.

During the operation, officers were given the use of a specialist Heavy Goods Vehicle cab, which provided a higher vantage point than a standard patrol car. The elevated position allowed officers to spot offences that are often hidden from view, particularly among drivers of cars, vans and lorries.

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Over the five days, officers stopped 59 motorists, including 31 HGV drivers, 10 drivers of Light Goods Vehicles, 16 drivers of public service vehicles such as buses and coaches, and two other motorists.

The most common offence detected was motorists using a handheld mobile phone while behind the wheel. Police caught 23 drivers breaking the law in this way.

Anyone convicted of using a handheld phone while driving can receive a £200 fine and six penalty points on their driving licence. New drivers who build up six points within two years of passing their test can also lose their licence.

Officers also found six motorists who were not in proper control of their vehicle, while seven people were not wearing a seatbelt, which can result in a fine of up to £500.

Five drivers were caught speeding during the operation. The penalties for speeding vary depending on the seriousness of the offence but can include a £100 fine as well as three penalty points. More serious cases can result in higher fines or even a driving ban.

Police also identified four motorists driving without insurance. Drivers caught without valid insurance can receive a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points.

But, in more serious cases, they can face an unlimited fine, be disqualified from driving and have their vehicle seized. A further eight motorists were reported for driving without due care and attention.

The offence carries penalties ranging from three to nine penalty points, an unlimited fine and, in the most serious cases, disqualification from driving.

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Following the offences uncovered during the operation, officers submitted 23 traffic offence reports and issued a further 23 graduated fixed penalty notices. Two vehicles were seized, while some motorists were given words of advice rather than formal enforcement action.

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."

Chief Inspector West said road safety remained one of the force's highest priorities and warned that officers would continue targeting dangerous driving across Kent.

He said: "We will continue to take part in operations like these to ensure those motorists who break the law and put others' lives in danger face the consequences of their actions."

Kent Police regularly carries out road safety operations with National Highways, using intelligence and specialist equipment to detect dangerous driving behaviour.

Officers warned that distractions such as mobile phone use, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and careless driving remain among the biggest contributors to serious collisions on UK roads.

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