Last week, The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (The SERP), including Essex Police, worked with three primary schools for a week of action to raise awareness about safe speeds around schools.
Essex Police played a vital role in enforcing the speed limit, stopping vehicles and identifying offences. This meant that Year 5 pupils could speak directly to drivers at the roadside about the dangers of speeding, seatbelt misuse and other risky behaviours. Together, this partnership approach combined enforcement with education- making the consequences of unsafe driving real for both drivers and children.
Wednesday- Vange Primary School
- The Parking Partnership visited at drop-off, issuing two parking tickets.
- Essex Police also issued a ticket to a driver using a mobile phone while approaching the SCP.
- During the speed watch with Year 5 pupils, nine speeding drivers were stopped and spoken to, with a top speed of 39 miles per hour.
- Two seatbelt offences were identified.
Thursday- Whitmore Primary School
- Six speeding drivers were spoken to by the Year 5s, with speeds recorded of up to 40 miles per hour.
- Drivers were spoken to directly by the children, making them reflect on their risky behaviour in a school area.
- A powered two-wheeler rider with learner plates carried out a dangerous overtake near a zebra crossing but failed to stop for officers.
Friday- Great Easton School
- Seven speeding drivers were stopped, with a top speed of 39 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour limit.
- One driver was also not wearing their seatbelt correctly, and the children helped explain the dangers to the driver.
What drivers said afterwards:
- “Speaking to the children made the consequences of speeding more real.”
- “Talking to the children is a very good way to address this issue.”
- “This is a good way to remind you about keeping within the speed limit. Also makes the children aware for the future when, or if, they start driving.”
- “This is a very good scheme for the children and drivers alike. We need safer roads.”
Why we do it- Vision Zero
Most of the drivers stopped admitted they simply were not concentrating, or were not aware of their speed. That is why education is so important. By involving children in these conversations, we help drivers see the human impact of their choices, and we prepare the next generation to make safer decisions themselves.
Through education, enforcement and engagement, The SERP strives to bring Essex a step closer to Vision Zero- our goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads by 2040.
Learn more more about Vision Zero and how you can help support your community: saferessexroads.org/visionzero
