Despite another week of wet weather, The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) was out across Essex supporting the shared aspiration for Vision Zero, responding to local community concerns around risky driving behaviours and addressing parent’s complaints about speeding outside schools.
Essex Police Officers carried out high visibility enforcement activity across multiple areas, speaking directly with residents, drivers, pedestrians and other road users. In many locations, officers were thanked by members of the public for taking action and listening to local concerns.
North Essex
Activity took place in Maldon, Bicknacre, White Elm Road and Priory Road, where officers spoke with numerous residents at the roadside who expressed their support. Enforcement also took place on the A130, Woodham Ferrers and Panfield, with many positive interactions from residents and dog walkers stopping to say thank you.
In Hatfield, Braintree and on the A120 at Stansted, officers unfortunately witnessed a 7.5 tonne HGV travelling at 88mph in a 70mph limit.
Colchester
Enforcement was carried out in Peldon, on the A131, Young End, the B1022 Maldon Road, Heckfordbridge and Tollgate Road, focusing on speed compliance and driver behaviour on key routes.
West Essex School Focus
A targeted operation outside Shenfield School on Chelmsford Road, which is regularly used by parents and children, resulted in 17 offences being recorded in just 30 minutes. The activity was well received, with plenty of positive feedback and thumbs up from passing drivers.
Further enforcement on the A138 Chelmer Road recorded a highest speed of 74mph in a 50mph limit.
Thurrock
On Devonshire Road in Grays, the fastest speed recorded was 63mph in a 30mph limit, a high risk was posed by this driver demonstrating excessive speed in residential areas.
South Essex
Enforcement took place in Benfleet, Bread and Cheese Hill in Wickford, Radwinter Avenue, Billericay and Queens Park Avenue. On the A13 at Greenacres Farm, the highest speed recorded was a staggering 102mph in a 70mph limit.
Encouragingly, officers noted a vast majority of sensible driving within the limits, and the majority of interactions with drivers, residents and members of the public were positive and supportive.
The SERP will be widening the road safety enforcement footprint across the county next week, stay tuned to the SERP news channels to hear the returns.
A total of 515 offences were recorded during this week of action as part of the ongoing commitment to zero compromise on road safety.
