Essex Safer Speeds Strategy

Overview

The new draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy, which we have developed in partnership with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, sets out a flexible and evidence-based approach to how we plan to introduce safer speeds in Essex.

We aim to help transform our county's towns and villages from places which can sometimes feel dangerous and intimidating into safer, greener and healthier local communities.

The new strategy will help establish a coordinated and effective approach to managing speeds which recognises the changing ways people travel.

More information is available in our consultation summary document.

You can also read the full draft strategy.

Why is the strategy needed?

Speed is the biggest factor in serious road traffic collisions in Essex. In 2025, 60 people lost their lives on the county’s roads, while many more suffered life-changing injuries. Nearly half of the deaths were related to excess speed. 

Residents also often tell us they feel unsafe walking, cycling or moving around their neighbourhoods because of vehicle speeds.

To achieve our shared Vision Zero aspiration that no one should be killed or seriously injured on Essex roads by 2040, we need to take steps to manage speeds, improve road design and support safer travel choices.

"Excess speed remains a leading cause of death and serious injury on our network, and this evidence-led strategy provides a clear approach to reducing harm and protecting the most vulnerable road users."                     

 Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, Essex Police

Have your say

We want to hear the thoughts of people who live, visit or work in Essex on the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy.

Your feedback will help us refine and improve the strategy before it is finalised and adopted later this year.

How to take part

The best way to tell us what you think is by completing our online consultation survey

Alternatively, feedback can be emailed to saferspeeds@essexhighways.org or posted to FREEPOST ESSEX HIGHWAYS ENGAGEMENT TEAM.

Printed copies of the survey questions, consultation summary document and full draft strategy will soon be available in the following main libraries: Basildon Library, Braintree Library, Canvey Island Library, Chelmsford Library, Clacton Library, Colchester Library, Dunmow Library, Epping Library, Harlow Library, Maldon Library and Rayleigh Library.

They can also requested by emailing: saferspeeds@essexhighways.org.

Consultation drop-in events

We will be joining the Safer Essex Roads Partnership at its upcoming Vision Zero community roadshow events. Come along to find out more about the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy and ask any questions.

Details are listed in the events section below. Specific locations will be confirmed nearer the time and published on this page.

Consultation survey

Closes 26 Apr 2026

Opened 16 Mar 2026

Events

  • Drop-in event - Colchester

    From 18 Mar 2026 at 10:00 to 18 Mar 2026 at 14:00
    Location Sainsbury’s, Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 8AA

    Come along to find out more about the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy and ask any questions.

  • Drop-in event - Harlow

    From 24 Mar 2026 at 10:00 to 24 Mar 2026 at 14:00
    Location The Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XR

    We will be joining the Safer Essex Roads Partnership at its Vision Zero community event in Harlow.

    Come along to find out more about the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy and ask any questions.

    A specific location will confirmed nearer the time and published on this page.

  • Drop-in event - Chelmsford

    From 7 Apr 2026 at 10:00 to 7 Apr 2026 at 14:00
    Location Chelmsford (exact location to be confirmed)

    We will be joining the Safer Essex Roads Partnership at its Vision Zero community event in Chelmsford.

    Come along to find out more about the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy and ask any questions.

    A specific location will confirmed nearer the time and published on this page.

  • Drop-in event - Wickford

    From 23 Apr 2026 at 10:00 to 23 Apr 2026 at 14:00
    Location Wickford (exact location to be confirmed)

    We will be joining the Safer Essex Roads Partnership at its Vision Zero community event in Wickford.

    Come along to find out more about the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy and ask any questions.

    A specific location will confirmed nearer the time and published on this page.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Community initiatives
  • Early years
  • Highways
  • Policy making
  • Public Health
  • Public transport
  • Safer Greener Healthier
  • Schools
  • Transport planning