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Southend: Targeting criminals who misuse our roads
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Our roads are meant to connect communities, support local economies, and keep people moving safely. But when individuals choose to misuse them—whether by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, or using vehicles to commit crime—they put lives at risk and undermine the safety of everyone around them.
That’s why our roads policing officers are committed to proactive patrols that not only enforce traffic laws but also disrupt criminal activity. Their work is vital in making Essex a safe place for all.
On Saturday 16 August, our officers focused on drink and drug drivers across Southend. Their hands-on approach led to 19 arrests, with 15 of those for driving under the influence. Several of those individuals were also arrested for multiple offences, including driving without insurance or a valid licence.
In support of road safety, officers issued:
• 149 traffic offence reports
• 10 vehicle seizures
• 2 prohibition notices for dangerous vehicles
On the A130, 190 speeding offences were recorded despite the 70mph speed limit—each one a potential threat to life.
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But our team didn’t stop at traffic law infringements. They also targeted those using our roads to transport drugs and stolen goods, showcasing the cross-cutting capability of traffic policing in tackling wider criminality.
In one case, a suspect abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
Thanks to the swift actions of our officers, he was detained. A search of the vehicle uncovered 70 bags of cannabis and over £1300 in cash, leading to an arrest for possession with intent to supply. The driver was also found to be uninsured and unlicensed.
In another incident, officers discovered 18 wraps of cocaine hidden in a car, resulting in another arrest for drug supply.
The confiscation of drugs removed them from hitting the city’s streets and eliminated any related anti-social behaviour and potential harm to our neighbourhood and communities.
Additionally, two individuals were chased and arrested on suspicion of shop theft, further demonstrating how traffic patrols can intercept a range of criminal behaviour.
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Mr Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said:
Targeting those who misuse our roads is not just about enforcing traffic laws—it’s about protecting lives, preventing crime, and maintaining public trust. Every arrest, every vehicle seized, and every offence reported contributes to a safer Southend and road network.
My roads policing officers are not just traffic enforcers—they are crime fighters.
Their vigilance and dedication ensure that our roads remain safe and that those who seek to exploit them for criminal gain are held accountable.
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Extra Eyes
Help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership's Extra Eyes initiative.
More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.
Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.
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