Essex Safer Speeds Strategy consultation

Essex Safer Speeds Strategy  

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.

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. It will help us introduce safer speeds across Essex, with recommended speed limits decided based on how different streets are used. There will not be a blanket approach. Speed limits will instead be decided on a case-by-case basis, where there is demand for change by local communities.

Public consultation

We want to hear the thoughts of people who live, visit or work in Essex on the draft Essex Safer Speeds Strategy. The feedback we receive through the public consultation will help us refine and improve the strategy before it is finalised and adopted later this year. The six-week consultation is open until Sunday, 26 April 2026.

For more information about the strategy and to take part in the consultation, please visit: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/essex-highways/essex-safer-speeds-strategy

Printed copies of the survey, consultation summary document and full draft strategy will soon be available in main libraries. They can also be requested by emailing saferspeeds@essexhighways.org

We will be joining the Safer Essex Roads Partnership at four of its upcoming Vision Zero community roadshow events, offering an opportunity for people to find out more about the draft strategy and ask any questions. Details are available on the consultation page.

How you can help

We would really appreciate feedback from your organisation or group through a response to the consultation. The easiest way to provide feedback is by completing the online survey at: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/essex-highways/essex-safer-speeds-strategy.

Alternatively, you can send a response by email to saferspeeds@essexhighways.org

We would also ask you to please consider sharing the public consultation link across your networks, social media pages and other channels to help us promote the consultation and encourage as much feedback as possible from local residents.

The communications toolkit attached to this email includes a press release, newsletter copy, social media copy, imagery and videos which you may use and edit as appropriate.

Questions

If you have any questions about the strategy or consultation, please email us at saferspeeds@essexhighways.org

Kind regards,

The Essex Safer Speeds Strategy project team