Motorists risk £2,500 fine for Highway Code offences as 'enforcement action' gets underway

The operation by the police force took place between June 16 and 23 and saw police carry out speed checks across the region.

In total, 616 offences were recorded in key areas where speeding has been identified as a high risk, with 51 offences recorded in Harwich, 226 in Takeley, Dunmow, and Stansted Mountfitchet, including speeds of 48mph in a 30mph zone.

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Meanwhile, 141 offences were recorded on Beaulieu Parkway in Chelmsford, which included speeding of up to 60mph in a 40mph zone. In Pilgrims Hatch and Shenfield, 28 offences were detailed by the police, including speeding at 51mph in a 30mph zone.

On the A414, Commonside Road, and Station Road, a whopping 74 offences were recorded.

In Sewardstone Road, Goldings Hill, and Oakwood Hill in Loughton, Chigwell Rise, Abridge, and Theydon Bois, 72 offences, including a speed of 46mph in a 30mph zone.

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said: "Speeding has been one of the key contributors to a large number of the most serious collisions that have taken place across Essex this year. This includes collisions where, sadly, people have lost their lives."

He explained that this operation is just one example of how "partnership collaboration helps ensure a data-led and visible approach to changing road user behaviour can save lives".

According to Highway Code rule 124, drivers "MUST NOT" exceed the maximum speed limits for the road. The Code detailed: "A speed limit of 30 mph, or 20mph in Wales, generally applies to all roads with street lights (excluding motorways) unless signs show otherwise."

But more pressing, under UK law, drivers can face hefty penalties for speeding, with penalties of at least £100 and three penalty points added to their driving licence.

This could increase to as much as £2,500, depending on what the speed limit was and how much over it the driver was travelling.

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He added: "We value our neighbourhoods, which is why we carry out this activity. We want to make sure you’re safe on the roads and we will take action against those who are a risk to other road users.

"We will not apologise for taking enforcement action which deals with people posing a danger to others. This isn’t about revenue collection, this is about keeping you safe, and you will continue to see us in your neighbourhood throughout the summer."

To help crack down on speeding in the county, National Highways has revealed plans to install more speed cameras on vital routes across sections of the A120 in Essex.

As part of the plans, the agency has installed temporary speed limit changes of 50mph, which will be in place until Autumn when the speed cameras go live.

Martin Fellows, regional director for the East at National Highways, said: "Safety is and always will be our number one priority, and that is why our ambition remains that no one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads.

"This route was chosen based on collision data and local insights, and overall, these changes will aim to make this road safer for all users."

The speed cameras will be installed along a section of the A120 between Marks Farm, Braintree and Marks Tey near Colchester.

Fellows explained that "safety is, and will always be, our number one priority, and we understand how important improved safety is to those who use this route as well as those who live nearby".