It has been another busy week for The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (The SERP), with activity spanning schools, communities, universities, and enforcement sites.
Vision Zero Day in Benfleet
The SERP came together for a day of action in Benfleet. Vision Zero Days are targeted enforcement and engagement events to raise awareness and combat the Fatal Four offences: speeding, drink and drug driving, distracted driving (including mobile phone use), and not wearing seatbelts.
Community Engagement:
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- 102 businesses and residents engaged on topics such as business driving and local road safety concerns.
- 119 residents, parents and pupils engaged around schools, focusing on safe speed and parking.
- 36 Vision Zero pledges were signed by schools and businesses, including Holy Family School, Appleton Secondary, Woodham Ley Primary, Kent Hill Primary, Cycle King, local opticians, and the library.
Vision Zero Day Enforcement:
- One arrest for drink/drug driving.
- 54 offences detected, including 17 for mobile phone use, 12 for lack of seatbelts, eight illegal window tints and three not in proper control and one for no insurance.
- Two drivers were given eyesight tests – both passed.
Countywide Enforcement – Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Alongside the Vision Zero day, enforcement teams have been working across the county, focusing on areas regularly used by elderly pedestrians, in line with the National Police Crime Commissioners’ Operation Dark Night focus. Routes included those outside sheltered housing, near key crossings and facilities. As always, there were overwhelmingly positive attitudes from the community and the highlight, as always, was having a four-legged friend oversee the operation, Maxie.
- West (Brentwood, Ongar, Billericay, Hutton, Noak Bridge): 125 offences,
- South (Benfleet, Canvey, Rayleigh, Hadleigh, Basildon): 147 offences.
- North (A120, Stansted, Elsenham, Colchester, Peldon, Copford, Beaulieu Park): 382 offences.
- The highest speeds included 96mph in a 70mph zone on the A120 and 94mph in a 40mph at Beaulieu Park.
Key highlights:
- A resident told the team: “I walk this road every day for my shopping, and the speeds are terrifying, especially at the crossing. You are doing an amazing job.”
- A dog walker added: “Can you come here every day please? Brilliant to see you.”
- Officers supported School Speed Watch in Jotmans School where pupils confronted a driver with the memorable reply: “So this is your last” after the driver said it was their first time speeding.
- In Dedham, officers responded to data from Community Speed Watch volunteers, enforcing against repeat offenders, with volunteers praising the action.
In total, 652 offences were recorded across the county this week.
Safer Schools
- School Speed Watch: Pupils from Jotmans School helped stop and speak to 23 speeding drivers, supported by officers and The SERP team. Pupils were engaged, asking important questions about road safety about safe driving.
- Pedestrian Training: Year 5 pupils at Benyon Primary received pedestrian training, learning about safe crossing and the risks of distraction.
- Parent Engagement: At Lansdowne Primary, 36 parents pledged their support for Vision Zero after a dedicated road safety talk.
Mature Drivers
A Driving with Confidence (DWC) presentation was delivered in Theydon Bois to over 40 mature drivers, helping them stay safe and confident on the roads, for longer. DWC provides free courses for older drivers, looking to boost their skills and confidence with modern traffic conditions, and address driving-related anxieties
Freshers at Essex University
The team attended Essex University Freshers’ Fair, engaging with over 100 students. Using impairment goggles and interactive activities, the team encouraged students to think about safe driving and being responsible passengers.
Why we do it – Vision Zero
Last week’s work shows the value of collaboration, from children challenging speeding drivers, to parents pledging safer roads, to students reflecting on their future as drivers and passengers. Every conversation and every enforcement action are a step closer to Vision Zero: where no one dies or is seriously injured on Essex roads.
To find out how you can make a difference to road safety in your area, visit: www.saferessexroads.org/visionzero
