Despite unpredictable weather, enforcement and engagement teams from the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) have been out across the county over the past ten days, delivering high visibility patrols, responding to community concerns and supporting the ongoing Operation Vision Zero campaign.
Targeting Local Concerns
Activity was intelligence-led, with officers focusing on areas highlighted by residents through online reporting systems- including speeding on the A130 and in Broadmayne, Basildon.
High-visibility patrols also provided opportunities to engage with local communities, reinforcing the shared responsibility for safer roads.
Enforcement Activity
West- Harlow and the A414
Sites included Rye Hill Road, Commonside Road and A414 London Road.
- Highest speed recorded: 96mph in a 70mph limit.
- 46mph recorded in a 30mph limit.
Operation Vision Zero – Thurrock
Teams widened the road safety footprint across Thurrock, visiting Corringham, Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, Devonshire Road, Brentwood Road and Grays.
- Highest speed: 53mph in a 30mph limit.
- A taxi driver recorded at 45mph in a 30mph limit.
- 137 offences captured in support of Op Vision Zero Thurrock.
South Essex
Southend
Enforcement at known collision hotspots, including Woodgrange Road, Thorpe Hall Avenue and Maplin Way saw a positive reduction in speeding compared to previous activity.
Rayleigh, Hawkwell and Benfleet
Sites included Rawreth Lane, A129 London Road, Rectory Road, Essex Way, Bread and Cheese Hill, Rayleigh Road and B1013 Hockley Road, as well as Wash Road, Noak Bridge and Cranes Farm Road.
North Essex
A130
Intelligence led officers to two high-powered sports vehicles racing at 110mph in the early hours of the weekend.
Takeley
Encouragingly, most drivers were complying with speed limits, with many residents offering thanks and positive feedback.
Great Bentley and Thorrington
Officers were welcomed by residents and local Parish/Community Speed Watch volunteers. A thank-you email was received shortly after patrols, and drivers stopped to express appreciation for enforcement activity.
Great Baddow, Ramsden Heath and Billericay
Following concerns raised about weekend speeding, officers attended and received strong community support. One resident thanked officers on behalf of the village: “We are really grateful to see you here, thank you for answering our call for assistance.”
Engagement Team Activity
Alongside enforcement, the SERP’s education and engagement team continued proactive community work:
- Tuesday: Vision Zero activity in Thurrock (education and outreach).
- Wednesday: The team visited Chelmsford Library, and spoke to visitors about Driving with Confidence, for mature residents to hone their skills on the road.
- Thursday: Presentation to Colchester United U18 squad on responsible driving and staying safe on the road.
- Friday: Partnership working with Canvey Town Council on a young pedestrian safety initiative.
School and Community Visits
- Elsenham School, Uttlesford: A School Speed Watch identified eight drivers exceeding the limit, with a top speed of 37mph outside the school.
- St Peter’s Academy, West Hanningfield: road safety sessions were delivered to pupils, reinforcing key safety messages.
A total of 675 offences were identified during the period.
Supporting Vision Zero
All activity supports Essex’s Vision Zero ambition- eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.
The combination of enforcement, intelligence-led targeting and education ensures that both high-risk behaviour and long-term attitudes towards road safety are addressed.
