Kent Police Crackdown: Nine Cars Seized and Drug Driving Arrest in Ashford
Kent Police joined forces with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Ashford Borough Council for a no-nonsense road safety blitz on Friday 2 December 2022. The joint operation targeted reckless drivers and unsafe vehicles near Mace Lane and across Ashford.
Nine Cars Nabbed for No Insurance and Tax
Officers stopped 18 vehicles at the main checkpoint, seizing half for driving without valid insurance or failing to pay vehicle tax. The message was clear: cut the corners on legality and you’ll lose your ride.
Man Arrested in Drug Driving Probe
A 37-year-old man was picked up on suspicion of drug driving on Tyle Barn Road. He has been released under investigation while cops continue their enquiries.
Traffic Offences Mount as Police Clamp Down
Elsewhere in Ashford, 24 drivers were hit with Traffic Offence Reports. Common offences included:
- Speeding
- Using a mobile phone at the wheel
- Transporting unsecured or overloaded goods
Police also seized three e-scooters and cautioned five riders, showing zero tolerance for unsafe road users.
Dangerous Mods and Fraudulent MOTs – Nobody’s Safe
The DVSA slapped four immediate prohibitions on a heavily modified vehicle with serious defects including:
- Non-working indicator
- No exhaust
- Missing seatbelt
- Disconnected parking brake
- Fraudulent MOT certificate under investigation
Ashford Borough Council staff also conducted checks on vehicles hauling waste to ensure compliance with regulations.
Officials Speak Out on Road Safety
Sergeant Grant Steele of Kent Roads Policing Unit said: “Keeping Kent’s roads safe is everyone’s job. We’ll keep targeting dangerous drivers and unsafe vehicles to protect all road users in the county.”
Dave Collings, Head of Enforcement Delivery at DVSA, added: “Drivers who illegally modify their vehicles put lives at risk. We’re proud to back Kent Police in this crucial work and will act against anyone endangering the public.
A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council said: “This operation sends a strong message – we will not tolerate motorists who break the rules designed for everyone’s safety.”
