Road Collision Records
The road collision records team maintain a record of
those collisions on the roads of Essex which have been reported to
Essex Police. Statistics are then forwarded to the Department
of Transport (who collate national collision and injury figures),
and to Essex, Thurrock and Southend councils.
The team's primary purpose is to provide information to help
with civil claims arising from these collisions. This
includes providing details of the people involved and copies
of police reports.
They receive around 18,000 reports a year and keep a record of
information about the collision while officers complete their
investigations.
Areas we cover
The Road Collision Records team only deal with collisions
within the county area of Essex. We don't cover those areas policed
by the Metropolitan Police Service and other sourrounding forces.
Some areas in greater London have the location 'Essex' within their
postal address but since 1965 are in an area covered by a London
Borough.
These areas are not covered by Essex Police:
Barking, Bishop's Stortford, Cheshunt, Chingford, Dagenham,
Enfield, Hainault, Harold Wood, Havering,
Haverhill, Hornchurch, Ilford, Long Melford, North Ockendon,
Rainham, Romford, Sawbridgeworth, Sudbury, Wanstead, West Ham,
Woodford, Upminster, M25 Junction 28 roundabout and A12 south of
M25.
Please be advised that a search fee may be charged if a search
is undertaked for a report of a collision in another force area
before it is realised a location falls outside of the county area
of Essex.
How to apply for a collision report - Form RCA518
Copies of reports are not released until all investigations are
completed. Currently it may take up to 4 months to answer
correspondence, this includes responding to requests for third
party details.
Fees are payable for a search of these records to determine
wheather a police report has been created. This fee is included in
the fee for requests for 'third party' details and copies of a
police report.
These fees are reviewed annually in April.
Requests for searches, police collision reports and third
party details in road traffic collisions will only be accepted when
a completed form RCA518 is submitted by post, with
the correct fee.
Third party details provide only limited information about the
collision such as the names and addresses of the drivers and
owners, insurance companies, date and location of the collision and
details of the police officer dealing.
A copy of the police report itself may provide further
information including matters such as any explanation provided to
the police regarding the cause of the accident. Copies of
statements given to the police will be included, if applicable.
Collision reports will not be released until the investigation
is concluded.
Updates on the investigation of a collision
The road collision records team does not investigate collisions
and are therefore unable to provide updates on the investigation of
a collision or details of any pending prosecutions or court
results.
Updates on the progress of any investigation can usually be
provided by the officer dealing.
The progress of pending prosecutions and court results will
usualy be communicated directly to those involved by the joint
Essex Police and Crown Prosecution Service County Witness Care Team
(part of the Essex Police Criminal Justice and Offender Management
Department).
We have compiled some frequently asked questions about road
collision records.
Contacting the team
The road collision records team is based at Essex Police
Headquarters in Chelmsford.
Requests for information to be provided will only be accepted by
post, as above.
You can contact the team
- By phone (between 8.30am and 4.30pm) on 01245 452638
- By post at:
Road Collision Records
Essex Police Headquarters
PO Box 2
Springfield
Chelmsford
CM2 6DA
You can also email the team:
roadcollisionrecords@essex.pnn.police.uk
