Drug Drivers, Overloaded Lorries, and More: Kent Police Crack Down in Town Centre Blitz
Kent Police launched a major road safety sweep in the town centre on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 – and it was no ordinary day for lawbreakers. Patrols from the Road Safety Unit pulled over a car, seizing drugs and a baton. The driver was arrested on suspicion of possessing class B drugs and an offensive weapon, later released on bail pending further checks.
Day of Action Sees Drug Drivers Nabbed and Weight Limits Shattered
A mix of marked patrol cars, unmarked vehicles, and police bikes roamed the streets all day. They were backed by Dartford Borough Council and Environment Agency officers targeting waste crime and taxi checks.
- Two drivers were arrested for drug driving after initial stops for no insurance and failing roadside drug tests.
- Another motorist got arrested over suspicion of stealing a vehicle.
- A flatbed transit lorry packed with hardcore crushed the scales – tipping the scales at over 8 tonnes, more than double the 3.5-tonne legal limit.
The lorry driver now faces a £2,000+ court fine for dangerously overloaded and unsuitable driving.
Traffic Offences Racked Up in Enforcement Drive
Officers also issued Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) to two drivers for insecure loads, plus 23 more for a catalogue of offences:
- Speeding
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Defective tyres
- Running red lights
- Parking and unloading on zebra crossings
- Driving without MOT or insurance
Police Issue Stark Warning Amid ‘Unacceptable’ Driving
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We work regularly with partners to educate motorists and enforce the law so everyone gets home safely,” said Inspector Ian Warner of Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit.
He added: “It’s critical we run these operations because reckless driving—from speeding and no seatbelts to drugged driving or unroadworthy vehicles—is simply unacceptable.”
Kent Police reaffirm their support for Kent County Council’s Vision Zero strategy aiming to wipe out road deaths. They’re set to keep up the fight, cracking down on dangerous drivers and raising public awareness of road risks.
