SERP partners brave wintery conditions for road safety initiative

A host of motoring offences were detected during a recent ‘Surround a Town’ event in Colchester – including six drivers caught using a mobile phone and two arrests for drug driving.

Organised by the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), Surround a Town sees resources focussed on a tight geographical area, often where there are high rates of collisions and casualties.

The initiative uses a combination of enforcement and engagement to highlight the importance of safe and legal driving.

The latest Surround a Town day took place in Colchester on 1 February, with SERP partners braving the wintery conditions to spot offences.

On top of the six drivers caught using a mobile phone at the wheel, SERP partners detected six seat belt offences and 35 other offences – including no MOT, defective lights and vehicle condition.

Elsewhere on the day, a ‘School Speed Watch’ event took place at Iceni Academy, with pupils speaking to 20 drivers about the dangers of speeding.

SERP partners were also located at the Tesco store on Highwoods Square, speaking to 70 shoppers on issues including Community Speed Watch and mobile phones.

04 February 2019