E-scooters and e-bikes.

Issued 03 February 2026

We have been holding roadshow events at schools to help students understand the dangers of using e‑scooters and e‑bikes in unsafe or illegal ways. Officers also explain what can happen if the rules are broken, including the vehicle being seized, fines being issued, and penalty points being added to a driving licence, even if the rider does not yet hold a licence.

We are also working with town‑centre businesses to address the use of illegal e‑bikes, particularly those travelling out of the town into nearby areas. Officers have explained the risks of using illegal e‑bikes for deliveries. These risks include fines, penalty points on a driving licence, and the bike being seized.

As part of this work, we have explained what makes an e‑bike illegal so people understand the rules and can stay safe.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

Officers have been patrolling road safety hotspot areas following concerns raised by local residents. This has resulted in several vehicles being stopped and seized for offences including driving without insurance, having no valid driving licence, speeding, driving through red traffic lights, and using unsafe child restraints. Drivers involved will be dealt with through the courts, where they may receive penalty points, fines, or face losing their licence. Officers have also been focusing on road safety issues involving motorbikes in the area.

On Hythe Road, a moped rider was reported for riding without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with their licence. On Lees Road, an off‑road bike rider was also reported for riding without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with their licence.

A driver suspected of drug driving was arrested and remains under investigation. In a separate incident, officers stopped a vehicle after seeing it being driven poorly. A search of the vehicle found drugs and items linked to drug supply, leading to the driver being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply LSD and cannabis.

Further road safety events and a dedicated operation are planned to tackle speeding and other driving offences.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) - general.

Issued 03 February 2026

Following reports of antisocial car gatherings at a retail site on Fougeres Way, we have been working closely with local businesses to help prevent this behaviour. We are using an approach known as designing out crime. This involves giving advice on how buildings and spaces can be designed or changed to reduce opportunities for antisocial behaviour.

Recently, a large car meet took place at the new retail area off Fougeres Way. After this, advice was given to the business about installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and secure gates to help control access and deter further problems.

Working with Ashford Borough Council, drivers involved were issued fines for breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). A PSPO sets rules for how public spaces can be used and allows action to be taken when behaviour causes problems for the community.

In a separate incident, another driver was given a Section 59 warning due to antisocial driving. A Section 59 warning is issued when a vehicle is used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance. If the driver is seen driving in an antisocial way again, their vehicle can be seized.

Actioned 23 March 2026