Kent Police have confirmed that a targeted traffic operation in Folkestone has led to three arrests and the detection of 26 road traffic offences in a single day.
The multi-agency operation, held on Friday, 21 March, involved officers from Kent Police, the Kent Special Constabulary, and Folkestone and Hythe District Council. Patrols were carried out across Park Farm, Middleburg Square, Tontine Street, and surrounding areas in a coordinated effort to clamp down on dangerous and illegal driving.
One dramatic moment involved a foot chase through a multi-storey car park after a vehicle was spotted driving the wrong way on a one-way road and failed to stop for police. The driver, a 43-year-old man, attempted to flee on foot but was quickly caught and arrested on suspicion of drug driving and other traffic offences.
Two further arrests were made during the operation. A 33-year-old man was stopped in Middleburg Square, and a 48-year-old man was detained on Cheriton Road—both also arrested on suspicion of drug driving. All three have since been released on bail while investigations continue.
In total, 26 traffic offences were dealt with on the day. These included:
- 7 drivers reported for not wearing seatbelts
- 5 drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel
- Offences related to illegal window tints, damaged lights, unsafe loads, illegal tyres, and non-compliant motorcycle exhausts
- Two uninsured vehicles were seized
- Several drivers were found without valid MOTs or driving documentation
Four penalty notices were issued, and officers gave road safety advice to 30 motorists throughout the operation.
Folkestone and Hythe Council officers also conducted checks on taxi licensing and waste carrier licences.
PC Kevin Marsh, who led the operation, said:
“The focus of our operation was to tackle those who are more likely to cause problems on the roads around Folkestone.
“Anyone who gets behind the wheel without the correct driving licence, or insurance, or who has not maintained their vehicle to a roadworthy standard, can all become a risk to others on the road.
“Working with teams, such as the Road Safety Unit and our partner agencies, meant that we were able to cover a wide range of potential offending and disrupt criminality from taking place. We hope this work reminds people about the importance of road safety.”
Kent Police have confirmed that further operations are planned as part of their continued effort to reduce road-related crime and promote safer driving across the region.
