Speed offences detected during Epping ‘Surround a Town’ day

Nearly 300 speeding offences were detected during a recent ‘Surround a Town’ event in Epping – with the help of a TruCam handheld speed enforcement device.

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 Epping on 21 March, with 280 excess speed offences detected.

Further to that, 102 seatbelt offences were also recorded – while five arrests were made for drug driving.

A total of 23 drivers were caught using a mobile phone at the wheel.

Among the excuses provided included:

• I wasn’t using my phone – I did pick it up when it made a noise and swiped the facebook message from the screen – but I wasn’t using the phone
• I’m having a really stressful day and I needed to take this call from work
• I don’t normally use the phone while driving but I’m running late for work and I wanted to let them know I was on my way

In terms of education, SERP partners spoke to 240 people in Epping High Street, with a large number mentioning that they had seen the enforcement site.

A School Speedwatch saw children speak to seven drivers – and an eighth was handed an FPN (fixed penalty notice) after being caught speeding at 42mph on a 30mph road.

29 March 2019