Motorists face £500 fines as police in 1 UK region crack down on dangerous driving

Motorists have been warned of a new operation that will see them hit with heavy fines for traffic offences. The police crackdown taking place across Kent will target dangerous drivers and unsafe vehicles, as the number of them has increased in the area.

Officials are particularly looking at anti-social behaviour in the towns of Rochester and Strood, following concerns raised by residents and business owners. Last week, an operation involving local constables, road policing offers, Medway Council and the Environment Agency took place, where the teams completed checks at town centre locations.

Police detailed that 59 traffic offence reports were issued to drivers for various offences. Offences included having no insurance, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and having unsecured children in a vehicle, reports GB News.

Those who drive without insurance can get hit with a £300 fixed penalty and six penalty points. However, if taken to court, it can result in an unlimited fine and potential disqualification.

Using a handheld phone or device while driving a car, lorry, or bus can result in a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence.

Anyone travelling with children must ensure they are fitted safely and appropriately in the vehicle. You can be fined up to £500 for each child under 14 who is not in the correct car seat or wearing a seatbelt.

Three graduated fixed penalty notices, amounting to £600 in total, were issued for driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to wear a seatbelt.

The checks also saw one car, two electric bikes and seven e-scooters seized for failing to meet compliance rules. One motorist was told to stop driving until a faulty seatbelt was repaired.

E-scooters can be used, however only in trials areas and on private property as a result of Kent County Council concluding its trial in 2022. Any e-scooter found on roads can be seized by police.

The ruling of e-bikes is different. They must meet certain requirements to be used on UK roads, including a speed cap of 15.5mph, exceeding this will have them classified as motor vehicles and they will need insurance to operate.

Inspector Paul Diddam said: "Law-abiding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are put at unnecessary risk by those who flout the law. Local people have shared their concerns and we are determined to target illegal drivers and, where appropriate, remove their vehicles from public roads."

The enforcement will continue across Medway for the rest of the year.

He added: "Our message is simple: if you are driving an unsafe and illegal vehicle, electric bike or e-scooter. Be prepared to have it seized and face being reported for any offences you have committed.

Drivers have taken to social media to share their views on the operation and the increasing displays of anti-social behaviour around the area.

One person said: "How are you supposed to wear a seat belt on a scooter? Also, do you need insurance for a toy? Also, how can a push bike be illegal? You don't need insurance or a licence to cycle on the road. What arre these copper playing at?"

While another suggested that the fine for driving without insurance should be a minimum of £1,000, as "we all pay higher premiums because of uninsured drivers, so it should be a harsher penalty."