Community Speed Watch help record 301 speeding drivers

Working alongside Essex Police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, trained local volunteers monitored vehicle speeds in key locations across the county—raising awareness of the risks of speeding and encouraging drivers to slow down and drive responsibly.

The Community Speed Watch Groups joined officers to tackle speeding on some of the county’s busiest roads last week (21 – 37 July).

Samantha Wright, Road Crime and Safer Essex Roads Operational Co-Ordinator said:
Community Speed Watch is a powerful way to bring communities and police together to protect lives because speeding in residential areas—especially near junctions, homes, and schools—puts lives at risk. These results show just how vital this work is.

Holland-on-Sea and Kirby Cross: drivers were caught significantly exceeding the limit in residential and coastal areas, underlining the continued need for education and deterrence.
• 25 speeding offences recorded
• Highest speed: 52mph in a 30mph zone

Basildon and Wickford: Radwinter Avenue and Brock Hill saw no speeding offences. Residents were supportive and thanked officers for their work with many cheery waves from motorists! However, 8 other offences were recorded. Officers monitored vehicles approaching a traffic calming chicane near driveways and a bend—highlighting how excess speed in these areas is particularly dangerous.

Southend and Castle Point: In four locations - Maplin Way, Thorpe Hall Avenue, Sutton Road, Rayleigh Road - 130 speeding offences were recorded. Officers spoke with numerous residents who came out to engage and share other speeding concerns in the area.

A young passenger passing officers shouted, "Thank you for keeping me safe!”, capturing the spirit of community appreciation.

Colchester: saw 18 offences recorded. The local CSW team joined police on the ground, reinforcing partnership efforts in rural and suburban communities.

Epping, Chigwell, Loughton, and Theydon Bois: Over Chigwell Rise, Piercing Hill, Ongar Road 92 offences recorded. Targeted monitoring in key commuter routes highlighted the scale of speeding behaviour in built-up zones.

Billericay’s Queens Park Avenue saw 29 offences recorded.

Downham: “special thanks” went to two of our RPU Special Constables who worked closely with the local CSW team, supporting efforts and receiving positive engagement from the public.

The dedication of our Community Speed Watch groups is incredible, over the week a total of 301 offences were recorded across the county during this operation.

Speeding is a major factor in many fatal and serious injury collisions. Essex Police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership continue to invest significant time and resources into tackling this issue. As part of our shared vision, we remain committed to achieving zero road deaths in Essex by 2040 or sooner.

Essex Police extend our sincere thanks to all our CSW volunteers for their dedication and hard work in helping to keep our communities and neighbourhoods safe. Their contribution is vital in our collective mission to reduce road harm.

Find out more and get involved, visit Community Speed Watch.

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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