Taxi driver caught doing 94 mph on M20 near Folkestone

A taxi driver was caught by police doing almost 100 mph on the M20.

Following a traffic operation in Folkestone[1] area on October 17, the driver was spotted going 94 mph.

During a traffic operation in Folkestone, 21 drivers were reported for offences. Picture: Kent Police

During a traffic operation in Folkestone, 21 drivers were reported for offences. Picture: Kent Police

During a traffic operation in Folkestone, 21 drivers were reported for offences. Picture: Kent Police

The vehicle was stopped by police after being suspected to be driving carelessly at a high speed on the motorway.

The driver was issued with a traffic offence report and his details will be shared with the taxi licensing authority.

During the same operation, officers arrested two people who were spotted in Lower Sandgate Road suspected to be carrying out a drug deal.

Following a stop and search, one was found with around 100 wraps containing suspected class A drugs. A 56-year-old man from Dover[2] was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

A 39-year-old man from Folkestone, who was a suspect for a burglary on Saturday, October 14 was also seen by officers and arrested.

Police carried out speed checks in Dover Road, Folkestone. Picture: Google

Police carried out speed checks in Dover Road, Folkestone. Picture: Google

Police carried out speed checks in Dover Road, Folkestone. Picture: Google

Both of those arrested were released on bail pending further inquiries.

Before this, officers and staff were on patrol in marked and unmarked vehicles including a police motorcycle and a speed camera van.

The van carried out speed checks in Dover Road, where it registered 40 vehicles travelling above the 30mph speed limit, the highest being a motorcycle at 67mph.

Also during the operation, a vehicle found at Junction 10a of the M20 in Ashford[3] was seized after it was found to be using cloned plates and was suspected to be stolen. Officers are carrying out an investigation into the vehicle identification.

Other drivers reported for offences included six for no seatbelt, five for no insurance, two for using a phone, and one for illegal window tints, and two for having poor-condition tyres.

Officers were in Folkestone for a driving crackdown earlier this week

Officers were in Folkestone for a driving crackdown earlier this week

Officers were in Folkestone for a driving crackdown earlier this week

The one-day operation was led by Kent Police’s road safety unit, who worked with the proactive target team, local officers as well as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and HM Revenue and Customs.

Sgt Grant Steele from the road safety unit said: “My team regularly carry out traffic operations around the county and on this occasion, we worked with local officers to look into any areas where concerns regarding road safety have been reported in and around Folkestone.

“Speeding in Dover Road was one such area, whereas over 20 people were reported for other traffic offences.

“We ask people to drive safely and in accordance with the law, or else risk action being taken against you. Everyone has a responsibility to keep our roads safe.”

References

  1. ^ Folkestone (kentonline.co.uk)
  2. ^ Dover (kentonline.co.uk)
  3. ^ Ashford (www.kentonline.co.uk)