AS pupils across Essex return to school for the new term, Essex Police are issuing a timely reminder to parents, carers, and all road users to take extra care around school zones – particularly during drop-off and collection times.

With increased traffic and pedestrian activity near schools, we’re urging drivers to remain vigilant, observe speed limits, and avoid parking dangerously or obstructively. The start and end of the school day are peak times for road safety risks, and Essex Police are committed to ensuring children can travel to and from school safely.

Sergeant Will Wilsher, Roads Policing Unit, said: “We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe – especially around schools. Whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, please be mindful of your surroundings and help us protect our young people. A few extra minutes of patience and consideration can make all the difference.”

Over 11 and 12 September, a roads policing officer witnessed dangerous driving behaviour and inconsiderate parking outside a Harlow school, showing little regard to the safety of young students.
“Can’t you give me a break – I’m just dropping off” – the response from a driver caught at 38mph as they approached the school, not wearing a seat belt.

On day one:

• The first driver stopped was for speeding – late for work and driving with a young child on board.
• A private hire vehicle driver caught at 34mph received a Section 59 warning for antisocial driving which lasts for a year.
• A traffic offence report was completed for a driver who was stopped driving at 38mph with an expired photo driving licence and no seat belt!
• A driver who had driven from Roydon had their unroadworthy vehicle seized and was reported for none of the three young passengers wearing seat belts.
• Five drivers were issued Section 59 warnings and notices added to their windscreens for parking on yellow zigzag markings outside the school or parking partly into a junction.
  
• The roads policing officer added: “Almost everyone dealt with for parking issues on the first day lived on the same estate meaning they had alternatives – they could have walked the distance to school as it was less than a mile in most cases.
  “It was just one minute” – from driver who parked across a junction so the car could be stopped opposite the school gate rather than walk.
  “The second day was noticeably better,” PS Wilsher added,” with lots of people smiling even though they walked that bit extra to school.”
  
• But still, officers witnessed poor and dangerous driving when a driver holding his mobile phone drove past the uniformed sergeant and two more Section 59 warnings were given to drivers who parked up on yellow zigzag markings outside the school and “abandoning” a car, blocking a junction.
  
• The force will continue to work closely with local schools and councils to monitor traffic hotspots and encourage responsible behaviour from all road users and conduct patrols and spot checks in key areas to reinforce safe driving practices.
  
• Essex Police also remind parents to talk to their children about road safety, including using designated crossings, staying alert, and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones when walking near roads.
  
• This work supports Vision Zero, our joint ambition with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to have zero seriously injured and killed collisions by 2040 or sooner.