Local priority update - Paddock Wood - My Community Voice Kent

Local priority update - Paddock Wood

Dear Residents.

Some of you may have seen the recent updates on My Community Voice in regard to the previous local priorities set by you. If you have not seen the updates, these can be found on the following link:

https://www.mycommunityvoicekent.co.uk/Content/LocalArea/81463/Paddock%20Wood

Whilst work continues on all of these matters, thanks to your feedback new local priorities have been set. Here is what we are doing/plan to do in regard to these new priorities:

Road safety:

Whilst this priority was set on the 22nd July, over the last month more emphasis has been put on road safety after residents raising their concerns to us whilst on patrol or at events. Together with targeted patrolling, utilising ANPR and conducting speed checks, this has resulted in the following results from July:

Two drivers caught driving with no insurance. Both issued with traffic offence reports. This will result in fines of at least £300 and 6 penalty points each.

One vehicle seized for no insurance & driving whilst disqualified – The investigation in regard to these offence's is ongoing.

Speed checks conducted have so far resulted in a number of drivers given words of advice.

We also welcome the addition of the Paddock Wood Speed Watch. This is a fantastic addition to the town and we will ensure that this is supported. We are planning to assist them with their work in the near future.

Catapults:

Recently we posted regarding the result of ordering three male youths to pay £250 in compensation as well as writing letters of apology to a victim of criminal damage following the use of a catapult. This came after Louis and I followed up the report, investigated it and identified the offenders.

We are aware of a recent incident that had been posted on social media of catapulting. Whilst we have not come across an official report to Kent Police, we are still following this up and investigating it after being made aware. Enquiries are ongoing and I would urge anyone with information or footage of this incident to come forward to either myself or Louis.

Highway obstructions:

Whilst parking would usually fall under the responsibility of the borough council, due to the level of annoyance this is causing and the potential danger that comes from some extremely poor examples of parking, Louis and I will be looking to introduce a new plan in regard to parking. We have researched the powers that we do have in regard to parking and will be looking to focus on this issue where possible. We have created a new database in which we will be tracking registrations that park poorly in Paddock Wood. From today if someone is causing an obstruction to the highway, or driving on the pavement, they will be receiving one warning if the circumstances deem a warning suitable, which will be recorded on the database. Should they be caught again, then they will be issued a ticked for the relevant offence, which will result in a fine. Should they be caught again, then Community Protection Warning’s will be looked into, which if breached will result in further and larger fines.

Thank you once again for the feedback given, which informs us on the most important local priorities to you. The work going into the issues you identify will continue by both Louis and I and we will continue to do everything we can to keep Paddock Wood a safe place to live, work and visit. As always, please ensure that all incidents or information you think necessary is reported to Kent Police via:

999 – Emergency/crime in progress.

101/Online reporting/Live chat – Non-emergency.

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan & PC Louis Scudder.

Beat Officers – Paddock Wood.

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Message Sent By
Connor Geelan
(Kent Police, Police Constable, Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Beat Officer)