SPEEDING remains one of the biggest causes of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Even small increases in speed dramatically cut a driver’s reaction time and lengthen stopping distances—turning what could have been a near miss into a life changing collision. So when communities report concerns about speeding, they are absolutely right to do so.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “Today, Tuesday 24 February, the Harlow Neighbourhood Policing Team responded to those concerns with targeted speed checks on Gilden Way, Southern Way and Paringdon Road.

A highlight of the operation was the involvement of local schoolchildren at the Paringdon Road site which is right outside of their school, who joined officers on the roadside and spoke directly to drivers who were found exceeding the limit (where appropriate). Hearing from children about how speeding affects them, their journeys and their families had a powerful impact—often far more persuasive than any ticket or warning. The pupils were outstanding ambassadors for their schools and the community.

We were also joined by a Taxi Licencing Officer from Harlow Council who can conduct in depth roadside licence checks to ensure Taxi drivers are operating in a safe and legal manner.

Across the three locations, the results of today’s activity were clear:

• 26 tickets issued for speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt offences

• 1 vehicle seized for no insurance

• 1 arrest on suspicion of theft and possession of cannabis

• 2 community resolutions issued

• 8 Taxi licence checks

These outcomes demonstrate why enforcement like this matters. Speed checks not only identify those driving dangerously but also deter countless others from making the same choices. By challenging unsafe behaviour and engaging drivers in positive conversations, we help make Harlow’s roads safer for everyone.

“A huge thank you to the pupils who took part—you were fantastic—and to the drivers who engaged constructively with the initiative. Today showed exactly what can be achieved when police, partners and the community work together”.