Road checks in Sheppey

3 August 2010, 00:00 | Updated: 3 August 2010, 05:48

Five vehicles seized for no insurance, fourteen fined for not wearing seatbelts and five people due in court for driving offences… some of the results of a multi-agency road check held on Leysdown Road on the Isle of Sheppey on Friday (30 July).

The event, organised by the Island Neighbourhood Police Team was set up in a bid to deter criminals using the Island’s road network and anti-social road use in response to local concerns about speeding and nuisance vehicles.

Kent Police officers, including members of the motorcycle unit, were joined on the day by representatives from partner organisations including VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), Immigration and Swale Borough Council.

Police used ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) to identify illegal vehicles, which scanned 5,500 vehicles throughout the day.

In addition, state of the art kit to identify illegal motorbikes was also put to good use, with one motorcycle being seized after it was tested on the ‘Dynostar’ machine, revealing that it’s engine capacity had been increased which wasn’t covered by the rider’s licence.

PC Adrian Goodsall who organised the road check comments: “"This operation was planned in response to feedback from local residents on the Isle of Sheppey who have told us that one of their main priorities is to stop anti-social driving and illegal road use on the Island.’ 
 
"The results that Kent Police and our partners have seen have been excellent. The ANPR technology allows us to target people who are illegally using the roads as well as travelling criminals, but minimises the disruption to law-abiding motorists.’ 
 
"We also hope that it sends a clear message to all drivers and road users on the Isle of Sheppey, that they need to make sure that their vehicles comply with the law and are driven in a safe and responsible way. I want to encourage people to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy and that they have the appropriate documentation to drive them, including valid insurance, driver's licence and road tax. We will be carrying out further road checks throughout the course of the year, and we will prosecute those who break the law, as well as seize their vehicles." 

Full Results

 
4 cars seized for no insurance

1 motor-cycle seized for no insurance

1 motor-cycle seized after testing on the Dynostar

14 tickets given to drivers not wearing seat belts (£60 each)

3 tickets given for no road tax (£60 each)

2 tickets given for incorrect number plates (£60 fine)

1 driver fined for having no insurance (£200)

5 people were reported for summons and are due in court for driving offences

11 vehicle prohibitions were given by VOSA