Vision Zero - Keeping Tendring’s roads safe

Keeping our roads safe is one of the most important responsibilities we share as a community. Every journey - whether to work, school, or the shops – relies on drivers following the law and vehicles being in a safe condition. When standards slip, the consequences can be serious. That’s why Essex Police continues to work closely with partners, volunteers, and local residents to make our roads safer for everyone.

As part of our ongoing road safety work, Tendring’s Neighbourhood Policing Team joined officers from the Road Safety Team on Tuesday 10 March for a dedicated Operation #VisionZero enforcement day, focusing on those breaking traffic laws and putting others at risk.

Chief Inspector Stuart Austin, Tendring district commander, said:
Standards of driving is regularly raised as an issue, so this collaborative effort is appreciated by not only me, but I’m sure by all the residents of Tendring.

Throughout the day, officers worked alongside the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), visiting local businesses, schools, and Community Speedwatch volunteers - local residents who give their time to highlight the dangers of speeding within their own neighbourhoods.

Their message is clear: safe driving saves lives, and the community plays a vital role in supporting enforcement activity.

A total of 50 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued during the operation, demonstrating the range of unsafe and illegal behaviours being detected:

• 28 - Mobile phone use at the wheel

• 20 - Seatbelt offences

• 2 - No insurance

Additional checks on vehicles uncovered further safety concerns:

• 5 - Dangerous vehicle condition

• 7 - Glass damaged and not maintained

• 4 - Registration plate issues

• 8 - Section 165 seizures (vehicles taken off the road for no insurance or no driving licence)

Two arrests were also made:

• Arrest for drug driving, possession of drugs, and no insurance

• Arrest for drug driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence (DOWL), and no insurance

Vehicle safety matters because a vehicle that is poorly maintained or illegally modified can become dangerous very quickly. Faulty brakes, bald tyres, damaged windows, broken lights, or obscured number plates all affect a driver’s ability to react, be seen, or control their vehicle.

Unsafe vehicles can:

• Increase stopping distances

• Reduce visibility

• Fail to respond during emergencies

• Pose risks to pedestrians, cyclists, riders, and other drivers

By removing dangerous vehicles from the road, officers help prevent collisions before they happen - protecting not only the driver but everyone around them.

Operation Vision Zero aims for zero road deaths in Essex by 2040. Achieving this goal relies on enforcement, education, and the community working together to improve driving standards and eliminate dangerous behaviour.

The results from this operation show how vital this work is, and how many potential risks are prevented through proactive policing.

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