Crackdown on Kent’s Roads: 44 Drivers Caught in Week-Long Police Blitz
A killer week for Kent’s lawbreakers! Police snared 44 drivers on the M20, M2, A2, and M25 during a week-long operation from January 7 to 13. Offenders were slapped with fines, points, or slapped on the wrist with educational advice.
Unmarked Lorry Uncovers Driving Disasters
Officers didn’t just rely on cars and motorbikes — they deployed a sneaky unmarked Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) from National Highways. This ‘supercab’ let cops peer straight into drivers’ cabs and catch rule-breakers red-handed.
The haul? Nine LGV drivers, nine heavy goods vehicle operators, and 26 other motorists nailed for offences like:
- Using mobile phones behind the wheel
- Not wearing seatbelts
- Speeding and poor vehicle control
- Driving uninsured
- Carrying insecure loads
- Driving under the influence of drink or drugs
The crackdown yielded 31 Traffic Offence Reports, 10 fixed penalty notices, and two court summonses.
Drug Driving Arrests on the M20
Tensions rose when a police motorbike officer sniffed out cannabis smoke from a car near Junction 7 on January 10. The driver was promptly arrested for suspected drug driving.
That wasn’t all. On January 13, two more motorists faced arrests on suspicion of drug driving at Junctions 8 and 5 of the M20. During one stop, cops also seized a knife from the vehicle.
All suspects have been released pending further investigations.
Police Warn: Drive Smart or Pay the Price
“Despite the rules, a minority of motorists still break the law,” said Chief Inspector Craig West.
“A moment’s distraction — texting, calling or fiddling with a laptop — can wreck lives.
“The unmarked lorry gives us a unique eye into drivers’ cabs. Offences mean fines and points — is it really worth the risk?
“Those caught should learn and drive safely. We won’t hesitate to act against those putting others in danger.”
Colin Evans, National Highways Regional Safety Programme Manager, added:
“Most people drive safely, but a few flout the law and endanger everyone.
“Using supercabs alongside police, we want all drivers to think twice and get home safely.”
