The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) was out across Southend for the latest Vision Zero Day, delivering a coordinated programme of education, engagement and enforcement aimed at creating safer roads for everyone.
Speeding Drivers Put Road Workers at Risk
One of the most concerning incidents of the day came at locations where Essex Police officers were supporting road workers carrying out their duties. Despite clear roadworks being in place, some motorists were still detected speeding through these areas. Road workers have the right to carry out their jobs safely- when passing through, always slow down, follow the signage and pay attention.
Throughout the day, officers spoke with drivers, passengers, and members of the public across Southend, discussing a range of road safety issues including speeding, seatbelt use, mobile phone distraction, and driver responsibility.
More than 130 vehicles were brought into roadside enforcement sites, giving the team the opportunity to educate road users and take action where necessary.
Taking Road Safety Education to the School Gates
The partnership also visited Leigh North Primary School, where officers and partners spoke with 106 parents, carers and school staff about the importance of creating safer journeys for children; including the importance of parent role modelling, safe parking, safe crossing behaviours and the shared responsibility everyone has for protecting children travelling to and from school.
The response from parents was overwhelmingly supportive.
Businesses Supporting the Vision Zero Message
The team visited 36 businesses and spoke with 77 members of the public.
Discussions focused on the range of initiatives that the SERP has on offer, including Business Driving in Essex, which provides expert training, workshops and risk management for organisations. Business owners welcomed the engagement and recognised the importance of continued road safety education.
One commented:
“More education on road safety is a good thing.”
A second reflected on their own experience of attending a driver education course:
“I’ve done a speed awareness course and found it informative. It’s amazing how much you learn as there are changes to the Highway Code I didn’t know about too.”
Enforcement Supporting Safer Choices
Enforcement teams attended locations including Thorpe Hall Avenue, Lifstan Way and Maplin Way, helping to address offences linked to road safety risks.
The operation resulted in enforcement action for offences including speeding, not wearing seatbelts, insurance offences, vehicle defects, and mobile phone use, while also generating valuable intelligence and opportunities to engage directly with drivers about safer road use.
Working Towards Vision Zero
Southend Vision Zero Day highlighted the power of partnership working, bringing together schools, businesses, communities and enforcement teams to promote safer behaviours and challenge the attitudes that can lead to serious collisions.
Whether speaking with parents at the school gates, engaging local employers or interacting directly with drivers at roadside sites, every conversation helped reinforce a simple message: everyone has a role to play in making Essex’s roads safer.
Together, these actions move us closer to Vision Zero – a future where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.
