AS part of Tyre Safety Month, roads policing officers conducted a Vision Zero road safety operation on Clay Hill Road in Basildon on Wednesday, 22 October, uncovering a concerning number of vehicle-related offences — including three vehicles with defective tyres.

Tyre Safety Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of maintaining roadworthy tyres, which are essential for safe braking, steering, and overall vehicle control. Defective tyres not only endanger the driver but also pose serious risks to other road users.

During the targeted enforcement 10 vehicles were stopped for various defects including 3 vehicles which were found with defective tyres, highlighting the ongoing need for public awareness about regular tyre checks.

But tyre issues weren't the only concern. Officers detected a wide range of offences during the operation:

• 22 drivers were caught not wearing seat belts.

• 12 drivers were using mobile phones while driving.

• 3 drivers were stopped for speeding.

• 2 vehicles were found with no insurance.

• 2 cars and 3 e-scooters were seized for being uninsured.

Across the district speeding continues to be a major issue:

• 40 offences were detected via speed monitoring cameras

• The highest recorded speed was 104mph on the A13, where the legal limit is 70mph.

In a separate initiative aimed at protecting children near schools, three speed offence reports were issued. The highest speed recorded was 54mph in a 30mph zone — alarmingly, this was outside a school.

These results highlight the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, especially tyre checks, and the need for responsible driving habits. Tyre Safety Month is not just a campaign — it's a call to action for all road users to prioritise safety.

Essex Police and Vision Zero partners continue to work towards reducing road casualties and making our roads safer for everyone.