Kent Police Crack Down on Dangerous Driving in Maidstone Blitz
Kent Police teamed up with Maidstone Borough Council for a major crackdown on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Armed with marked and unmarked cars, officers hit the streets to catch reckless drivers and protect all road users.
Traffic Offences and Shocking Finds
The day kicked off with a bang when cops stopped a commercial vehicle on St Peter’s Street for carrying an insecure load. The 27-year-old driver from Aylesford failed a roadside cocaine test and was arrested. He’s now released pending an ongoing probe.
Over 40 other drivers were flagged for a slew of offences including no insurance, no tax or MOT, using mobiles behind the wheel, and skipping seatbelts. Some were hauled into a St Peter’s Street car park for vehicle checks and safety advice. One hefty £300 fine was handed out for an overweight vehicle caught on portable weight plates.
Speeding and Drug Driving Under the Microscope
An unmarked police bike pulled over 38-year-old Alekseja Basjuks on the A20 London Road. He was arrested and charged with drink driving, set to appear in Maidstone Crown Court on April 5.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old Maidstone man was busted for drug driving after failing a roadside test on Phillips Avenue. Officers also seized cannabis from his vehicle.
The Safety Camera Team clocked up 122 offences during the operation, mainly speeding on the A229 and Warmlake Road, along with infractions on the A20 London Road, Sutton Road, and Tonbridge Road.
Council Clamps Down on Waste Crime and Taxi Safety
Maidstone Borough Council inspected six vehicles, seizing a van for carrying waste without a licence. Taxi licensing officers checked seven cabs, ordering one driver to fix a dangerous tyre and another to display proper documentation.
“Motorists who break the law on the road are not only a danger to themselves but to other people too,” said Chief Inspector Craig West of Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit. “Thankfully most drivers in Kent obey the law, but some still take reckless risks that put everyone in danger.”
“Joint operations like this give us a better chance to catch offenders and make sure they face the consequences. We are fully committed to road safety—because it saves lives.”
