The Safer Essex Roads Partnership’s (SERP) Vision Zero Day in Chelmsford saw a motorcyclist carrying a child dangerously on the back of a bike without protective clothing or gloves. The incident starkly highlighted the risks faced by vulnerable road users and why making safe, responsible choices is vital for protecting young passengers.
Despite heavy rain, the event saw strong levels of engagement, enforcement, and positive conversations about road safety.
Enforcement Outcomes
Officers carried out proactive enforcement throughout Chelmsford. Offences detected included:
- 15 mobile phone offences.16 seatbelt offences.
- Four positive drug tests.
- Four vehicles seized.
- Two dangerous condition offences.
- 17 roadside eyesight tests conducted – all passed.
- 37 speeders captured using TruCam technology, including one vehicle travelling at 80mph in a 50mph limit.
One serious case involved a truck driver at work who was stopped for not wearing a seatbelt. The driver subsequently failed a roadside drug wipe and was arrested for drug driving.
Community Engagement
In total, 258 people were spoken to during the day, including:
- 172 pupils and staff at Cathedral Primary School.
- 86 members of the public across Chelmsford.
- 31 local businesses visited.
The team also shared Driving with Confidence course leaflets with organisations such as Vision Express Chelmsford, Goldsmith Webb Opticians, and James Bryan Opticians, who welcomed discussions around eye health, mature driver support, and safer roads. Their support helps spread awareness of resources available to mature drivers in the community.
Why It Matters
Chelmsford’s Vision Zero Day highlighted the power of partnership and community action: from schoolchildren learning about safe choices, to businesses supporting mature drivers, to officers tackling risky driving directly.
Together, we move one step closer to Vision Zero, our shared goal of zero road deaths or serious injuries by 2040.
Every person that loses their life on Essex roads is more than just a number. They represent a family and a community. Vision Zero is about changing that future- working together through education, engagement, and enforcement to create safer journeys for all.
Find out how you can play your part: www.saferessexroads.org/visionzero
