FOLKESTONE — Police have arrested a man, seized eight vehicles, and issued more than 30 traffic offence reports during a targeted road safety operation in Folkestone.
The crackdown, which took place on Friday 12 June 2026, saw patrols focusing heavily on road safety awareness and enforcement in and around the A2034 Cheriton Road and Dover Road areas. The day’s action escalated at around 2:30 pm when constables stopped a 55-year-old driver who was found to be driving without insurance. Further checks revealed he was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for an unrelated offence, leading to his immediate arrest and the seizure of his vehicle.
Officers confiscated an additional seven vehicles over the course of the operation—including one e-scooter—after motorists were caught driving while disqualified, without insurance, or without valid vehicle tax.
In a separate stop, a van driver was banned from using public roads after his vehicle was deemed legally unroadworthy. The motorist was ordered to keep the vehicle off the road until essential repairs are carried out. He was also issued a fixed penalty notice by Folkestone and Hythe District Council environmental enforcement officers for transporting scrap metal without the appropriate documentation.
In total, officers issued 34 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs). Twelve of these notices were handed out for speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving. These offences, alongside driving under the influence of drink or drugs, constitute the “fatal four” behaviours most commonly linked to serious road casualties. The operation also resulted in one motorist being summonsed to court for driving while disqualified. Meanwhile, two drivers were handed Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) notices after their vehicles were found to have minor faults. Under the rules of the scheme, the drivers can avoid prosecution and fines provided they carry out the necessary repairs within 14 days and obtain confirmation of roadworthiness from an MOT station.
Sergeant Kevin Marsh said:
‘It remains a priority for Kent Police to tackle each of the ‘fatal four’ offences, alongside identifying motorists who are on the road illegally.
‘We proactively stopped many vehicles and gave advice in relation to safer driving and ensuring vehicles are in a safe condition to be driven.
‘We were also joined by the local council, who targeted taxis and waste removal vehicles to ensure they were complying with relevant licences.’
Cllr Polly Blakemore, Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
‘We are pleased to support these operations.
In addition to the top priority of improving safety on our district’s roads, we can target other activity such as the unlicensed carrying of waste. Too often we are seeing such waste being fly tipped on our roadside verges and blighting our towns and villages.
‘We remain firmly committed to working with other agencies in protecting our district.’
Kent Police is taking part in the national Neighbourhood Policing Week (15-19 June) to recognise and celebrate the contribution of neighbourhood officers, staff and volunteers.