Pupils from Basildon and Dunmow primary schools took to the streets last week to help make their communities safer by participating in School SpeedWatch, a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting road safety and responsible driving near schools.

Children from Vange Primary School, Whitmore Primary School, and Great Easton Primary School joined forces with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, Essex Police officers, and school crossing patrols to carry out speed checks and engage with drivers about the dangers of speeding, distraction, and poor driving habits.

Over three days, 21 speeding drivers were stopped and spoken to by pupils and officers. Offences included:

• Driving at speeds of up to 40mph in school zones
• Failure to wear seat belts
• Using mobile phones while driving
• Dangerous overtaking near zebra crossings

These behaviours are known contributors to serious and fatal collisions. The initiative served as a powerful reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and even small lapses in judgement can have devastating consequences.

On Wednesday 17 September, enforcement officers issued two parking tickets outside Vange Primary School and reported a driver for using a mobile phone while approaching a school crossing patrol — a dangerous distraction that puts lives at risk.

The following day, pupils at Whitmore Primary School engaged with six speeding drivers, including two travelling at 40mph. A motorcyclist on L plates was also seen overtaking dangerously near a zebra crossing and will be issued a notice of intended prosecution.

At Great Easton Primary School, seven more drivers were stopped, with one not wearing a seat belt correctly. Pupils explained how seat belts save lives and encouraged drivers to reflect on their habits.

All drivers were invited to sign up to the Vision Zero pledge, committing to safer driving practices such as:

• Sticking to the speed limit
• Avoiding distractions like mobile phones
• Wearing seat belts properly
• Staying alert and focused on the road

Quotes from drivers included:

“Speaking to the children made the consequences of speeding more real.”
“Talking to the children is a very good way to address this issue.”
“This is a good way to remind you about keeping within the speed limit.”
“We need safer roads – this is a very good scheme for children and drivers alike.”

Why Road Safety Matters

Unsafe driving near schools puts children, parents, and staff at risk. Speeding, distraction, and poor decision-making can lead to tragic outcomes. Initiatives like School SpeedWatch not only educate drivers but empower young people to be advocates for change in their communities.

This article originally appeared on essexpolicemedia.co.uk and was republished with permission.