PFCC signs Vision Zero pledge to support the elimination of deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads
16 May 2023

Road users in Essex are being urged to pledge their support in helping to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the county’s roads.
The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is calling for individuals, schools, businesses and organisations across the county to sign the Vision Zero pledge - promising to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others, whenever and however they use the roads.
The online pledge was launched today (May 17, 2023) to coincide with UN Global Road Safety Week, which is running from May 15-21, 2023.
Among the first people to sign the Essex Vision Zero pledge were Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, and Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, at Essex County Council, and Chair of the SERP Governance Board.
The need for change
While road deaths and injuries are gradually reducing in the county, 48 people were killed and 770 people were seriously injured in crashes on Essex roads in 2022 alone. Road collisions cause immeasurable physical and mental suffering for victims, families and communities.
Vision Zero is the aspiration to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in Essex by 2040. This can only be achieved if everyone plays their part in making our roads safer places.
By signing the pledge, which is now available on the SERP website, members of the community will commit their support for zero road deaths in Essex.
On signing, they will be asked to take action in the following ways when they use the roads:
The need for change
While road deaths and injuries are gradually reducing in the county, 48 people were killed and 770 people were seriously injured in crashes on Essex roads in 2022 alone. Road collisions cause immeasurable physical and mental suffering for victims, families and communities.
Vision Zero is the aspiration to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in Essex by 2040. This can only be achieved if everyone plays their part in making our roads safer places.
By signing the pledge, which is now available on the SERP website, members of the community will commit their support for zero road deaths in Essex.
On signing, they will be asked to take action in the following ways when they use the roads:
- To be alert, considerate and careful, every time I use the roads
- To drive within the posted speed limit or more slowly, to allow for unforeseen risks
- To always wear a seatbelt and insist that my passengers do the same
- To put my mobile phone away or on silent when driving and avoid other distractions
- To always ensure any alcohol or drugs have left my system before driving
- To ensure I am well-rested and not tired before driving
- To look twice at junctions or before pulling away in a vehicle
- To follow Highway Code guidance while walking, cycling or driving
- To share the roads and allow plenty of space for everyone including horses, bicycle riders and pedestrians
- To support and encourage friends, family colleagues and others to use the roads safely too
Vision Zero - a global aspiration
Many authorities across the world are now committed to Vision Zero, which can be achieved through the ‘Safe System’ approach. The approach accepts human error, but requires everyone to understand their role in making the system work safely. The Safe System is designed so that when people do make mistakes, any resulting impact forces are low enough to avoid death or serious injury. These measures are split into five layers of protection:- Safe speeds
- Safe vehicles
- Safe road use
- Safe roads and roadside
- Post collision response
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