OFFICERS arrested 21 people and seized 11 cars as part of targeted work on the Essex roads. 

Tragically in 2025, 54 people have been killed on Essex roads. In the whole of 2024, 50 people lost their lives. 

As well as the arrests and seizures yesterday, Saturday 11 October, officers also submitted 100 traffic offence reports (TORs) – all as part of our work to make the county’s roads safer and to prevent and detect crime being carried out on the roads. 

A TOR can lead to a number of outcomes, including a prosecution and official warnings. 

The work included a number of significant arrests. 

Shortly after 3.40pm, a car came to officers’ interest on the A12 at Margaretting. Roads policing officers carried out an enforced stop alongside armed officers. 

Once the car was stopped, officers found what’s believed to be a significant amount of drugs and further checks found the vehicle had been reported stolen. Three people were arrested at the scene. 

Just after 3pm, we were alerted to a car passing Chelmsford on the A12. When it was safely stopped, the driver was arrested for drug driving, theft of motor vehicle and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence. 

Shortly after 7pm, officers indicated a car to stop, which did not happen. The vehicle then led officers on a pursuit through Chelmsford, including driving the wrong way on the Army and Navy roundabout and joining and exiting the A12. The vehicle then came to a stop in a rural setting and both occupants tried to flee the scene. 

The passenger was quickly arrested and the driver initially made off. She was tracked by officers on the ground and by the police helicopter and ultimately arrested. 

Officers also targeted a car known for being linked to drug dealing. When stopped, the driver – using a provisional licence – tested positive for drugs, as did his supervising driver, who was not qualified to be a supervisory driver, having only passed their driving test in 2023. A supervisory driver must have at least three years’ experience – and of course not under the influence of drugs. 

Superintendent Ian Hughes said: “Whilst the overwhelming majority of drivers on Essex roads are careful and attentive, we still continue to encounter people who, to be blunt, are putting lives at risk; both their own, their passengers’ and other innocent road users. 

“Driving is not a right, it’s a privilege. If you aren’t fully engaged in your driving, it can lead to the most horrific of collisions which result in loss of life – all because of what may be a small mistake by a person behind the wheel. 

“We are acutely aware of the 54 people who have lost their lives on Essex roads this year and we want to ensure this number doesn’t continue to rise. 

“54 families have lost loved ones this year – and I know that will be felt more acutely as we soon enter the festive season. 

“My plea to all Essex drivers – please be responsible when behind the wheel. To those who choose not to be – and I use the word ‘choose’ very purposefully – please know there are officers out on the roads looking for you.”