Dartford Borough Council News

Dartford’s residents are being reminded to check their cab is safe following the discovery of unlicensed taxi services advertised in shop windows.

Following complaints from the public and inspections by Dartford’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) and Kent Police, shopkeepers have been advised to remove the advertisement cards from their windows.

In addition, two drivers have been identified and interviewed where they admitted to acting as taxis despite being unlicensed. The pair were issued with formal warnings and have been advised that further action will be taken against them if they come to the attention of the CSU or Kent Police again.

Dartford Borough Council’s Community Safety Unit and Kent Police work closely together to help to ensure the safety of the Borough’s residents. Part of the CSU’s work also includes the licensing of Hackney Carriages and minicabs.

Councillor Dave Hammock, Lead Member for Enforcement & Licensing said, “We do all we can to ensure illegal unlicensed cabs are not operating in the Borough. Cab users should always remember to hire their cab from a reputable company and if they’re not happy – don’t get in and report it to the Police.”

ENDS

Currently there is no indication that Dartford will be affected by the public disorder as seen in some parts of the country. The Council’s emergency planners, along with partners including Kent Police, Kent County Council and other external agencies have long established Emergency Plans to provide support to communities if issues arise.

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Operation Cubit struck again last week - working to keep untaxed vehicles off Dartford’s roads.
 
Eleven untaxed cars were removed from highways and other land in the borough.
 
Once removed from the highway, the cars are taken to a secure compound until the owner pays the £260 fine and taxes their vehicle. If this is done within 14 days, the fine is reduced to £100. Further charges are made if the vehicle is not claimed immediately.
 
In Dartford, Operation Cubit operates for a period of one week at a time and takes place around four times a year. It involves Dartford Borough Council working together with the DVLA, NSL, Kent Police and Kent Fire & Rescue Service.
 
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On 16th November 2010, a breakers company acting for Dartford Borough Council undertook direct action to remove two vehicles from land on Puddledock Lane in Wilmington. Unless collected quickly, these vehicles will be scrapped. (more…)

This Autumn Dartford Borough Council will partner local night club, Air & Breathe in a fresh initiative to help drive the message of safe living with a series of ‘club nights’ aimed at the 13 – 17 year age group. Under the banner of SNAP – Say No and Phone, a Crimestoppers Youth Initiative and ‘Good Times’, local youngsters will be able learn about a number of issues which face young people when they start to socialise. The areas covered will include advice on the dangers of drugs, excessive alcohol, smoking, maintaining good sexual health and more besides all within the cool surrounds of a real night club but without the alcohol. The atmosphere will be authentic and feature well known local DJ’s and MC’s spinning the turn-tables with the funkiest sounds. (more…)

In the summer of 2007 Dartford Borough Council officers discovered that a swimming pool house at Tudor Court Green Street Green Road was being converted into a separate bungalow and the grounds were divided off from the house making two distinct properties without any planning applications either having been submitted or approved. This came to light as a result of illegal damage to ancient woodland next door to Tudor Court, for which the owner of Tudor Court, Anthony Filugelli, was convicted and heavily fined. (more…)

A Dartford resident whose three dogs had been terrorising local residents in Temple Hill for months, was recently taken to court by Dartford Borough Council and successfully prosecuted. (more…)