“I was just popping to the shop”

This was a reason given by one of the 54 people stopped for not wearing his seatbelt at the most recent Vision Zero Day.

Vision Zero Days, (formerly Surround A Town days) see resources focussed on a tight geographical area, often where there are high rates of collisions and casualties. The initiative uses a combination of enforcement and engagement to highlight the importance of safe and legal driving.

On May 17, the Partnership headed to Southend where they spoke to hundreds of road-users about the ambition of having zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2040 and answered important questions around how to stay safe on the roads.

Essex Police officers supported the day by enforcing the ‘fatal four’ and as well as the 54 seatbelt offences, found three had no insurance, three were using their mobile phone, two were arrested for drug driving and seven e-scooters were seized.

Samantha Wright, Road Crime Operational Co-Ordinator, said: “Fifty-two people were either killed or seriously injured on Southend roads last year. That’s fifty-two people whose lives have either been cut short or have been dramatically changed due to injuries.

“This is exactly the reason why we have these Partnership days. We must stop the devastation caused by road traffic collisions.

“We were shocked to see so many people not wearing their seatbelt, many of whom thought it was ok because they had short journeys or had only just left their homes. Seatbelts are the easiest way we can protect ourselves and it really does take one quick click to do this.

“We are still finding a lot of people are unaware of the law around e-scooters too. They must only be ridden on private land, so please share this with anyone you know who owns one.”

For more information on Vision Zero please visit saferessexroads.org/visionzero.

20 May 2022