The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) brought together education, engagement, and enforcement to tackle risky driving and encourage safer choices across the city.
Over 70 offences were recorded, including a shocking seven drug driving arrests during a Vision Zero Day in Colchester.
Alarmingly, the majority of these drivers were caught around 10:00 AM, having smoked cannabis the previous evening. Many motorists mistakenly believe they are safe to drive the morning after using cannabis. In reality, the drug remains in the system for hours, severely impairing judgment, slowing reaction times, and distorting distance perception long after the “high” has worn off. Getting behind the wheel the next morning is not only illegal; it is creates a risk to all road users.
At an enforcement site on Ipswich Road, officers recorded 70 offences, including 30 seatbelt offences and 24 mobile phone offences. Five vehicles were seized, while a disqualified driver was interviewed and reported.
The team also spoke directly to drivers about the risks of not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and other behaviours that can put lives at risk.
Young people take road safety into their own hands
Year 5 pupils from Kings Ford Academy took part in School Speed Watch, speaking to ten drivers travelling above the speed limit. Speeds ranged from 35mph to 42mph.
The children’s message clearly made an impression, with drivers telling them:
“After this experience, I will definitely be paying more attention to my speed.”
“I will drive with more care in the future.”
The team also visited Friars Grove Primary School, where around 220 children and parents took part in an activity on pedestrian safety now that the evenings are drawing, particularly focusing on visibility and road crossing during the school run.
Reaching the next generation of drivers
At the University of Essex Freshers’ Fair, the team spoke to 258 students about the risks facing young drivers.
Meanwhile, five Community Speed Watch groups were involved in activity across the Colchester area. At Mersea Island, four speeding vehicles were recorded, with the fastest travelling at 45mph in a 30mph limit.
The day showed how education, enforcement and community involvement can work together to challenge risky behaviour, make drivers think twice and help protect everyone using Essex roads.
Vision Zero is the shared ambition to ensure no one is killed or seriously injured on Essex roads. Every conversation, intervention and safer choice brings that goal closer.
