OFFICERS responding to an M25 collision, have reported 51 drivers for road-related offences.
Shortly after 7.15am on Wednesday 26 February, our Roads Policing Unit officers were deployed to a two-vehicle collision on the M25 alongside colleagues in the ambulance and fire services.
Both vehicles were blocking two lanes on the stretch of road from junction 28 heading towards junction 27.
Whilst managing the scene, officers unfortunately had to deal with a number of drivers committing offences. Some drivers were dealt with on the spot and some drivers were sent notice of intended prosecution letters informing them of our intention to prosecute the driver.
In total 51 drivers have been or will be reported for the following offences:
26 entering a closed lane – not adhering to a Red X sign
2 non wearing of seat belt offences
22 mobile phone use whilst driving
PC Charlton, Roads Policing Unit officer, said: “It’s disappointing to see that drivers felt the need to enter closed-off lanes where we were dealing with the collision – it was done to protect the emergency responders and further protect the drivers involved in the collision.
“It was also done to protect the same drivers who went against the advice.
“Thankfully both drivers weren’t injured, but the danger presented from drivers who weren’t adhering to signage instructions could have made things worse.
“Having to deal with these offenders meant we were a lot longer at the scene than necessary.
“But we won’t turn a blind eye to those who put the safety of others at risk.
“That’s why we’ve spent a significant amount of time going through body worn video footage to ensure we’ve captured all the evidence needed to bring these drivers before the courts.
“Their own actions could lead to points on their licences and fines being issued.”
Our Roads Policing Unit officers routinely carry out Vision Zero road safety days of action and actively patrol our roads to keep everyone safe – it’s a priority for us.
It also means working with our partners in the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to highlight, address and educate drivers about the issues presented by poor and dangerous driving.
Vision Zero is our joint ambition to have no road deaths in Essex by 2040 or sooner and we will do all we can to achieve this, but of the Fatal Four offences that are known contributing factors to collisions, our officers witnessed two of those offences that day – not wearing a seatbelt and mobile phone distraction whilst driving.
Wearing a seatbelt and concentrating on the road ahead could prevent a collision and could save your life.
For further information, visit Vision Zero at Vision Zero – saferessexroads.org
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