 News 18 February to 24 February
E-Scooters are illegal to use in public.
Recently, we have received reports of children riding E‑scooters dangerously, putting both themselves and others at risk of injury. Today, as part of a dedicated operation to intercept and seize these illegal vehicles, we have confiscated several E‑scooters. Two of them are shown below.
Privately owned E‑scooters are illegal to ride on public roads, pavements, or any public space. Because of the vehicle category, they would require insurance, an MOT, tax, and a valid driving licence — all of which are currently impossible to obtain for an E‑scooter.
If you are seen using a privately owned E‑scooter in public, it will be seized and destroyed.
If you are a parent or guardian, please do not purchase these vehicles for children. They are not toys, and using them in public is both illegal and dangerous.
Sergeant Sarah Jeans from the Chelmsford Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“E‑scooters, along with some modified E‑bikes, are dangerous and illegal. If we see individuals using these in the district, they will be seized and destroyed. The rider will also receive enforcement notices for traffic offences, including riding with no insurance — an offence that carries a substantial fine and six points on a driving licence.”
Chelmsford: Man banned from driving after being found slumped in driver's sea
A driver who failed to provide a specimen for analysis after being found unresponsive in his vehicle has been sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
Roads Policing officers were called to the Tesco car park at Princes Road, Chelmsford, on 31 March 2025, following reports from concerned shop staff about a man slumped in the driver’s seat of a Vauxhall Astra. It was also reported that he was struggling to manoeuvre the vehicle and had struck a member of staff.
On arrival, officers located Robert Ames, 49, of Graysmead, Sible Hedingham, in the driver’s seat.
Ames was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and taken to Chelmsford custody. Once there, he refused to provide an evidential sample for analysis, despite being required to do so by law. He was subsequently charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 1 April 2025, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.
At sentencing on Tuesday 17 February, Ames received:
• 50 month driving disqualification (with potential reduction upon completion of an approved course)
• 12 week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months
• Fines and costs totalling more than £700
• Supervision requirements as part of a rehabilitation order
Mr Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing said:
Refusing to provide a specimen is not acceptable and is an offence in its own right. It prevents officers from obtaining crucial evidence and undermines efforts to keep our roads safe.
We said, You listened!
We don’t often say this, but we welcome moments when members of the public take on board our advice about road safety - and even use it as a turning point in their lives.
On Saturday 14 February, our roads policing officers carried out high visibility patrols in Southend as part of Operation Limit, targeting drink and drug driving offences. Days of action like this are designed not only to enforce the law, but to reduce risk, influence behaviour and keep every road user safe.
During the operation, one driver told officers she had grown “fed up” with repeatedly being stopped on suspicion of drug driving. As a result, she had taken the initiative to enrol in a rehabilitation programme, is now drug-free and progressing well in her recovery. She passed a roadside drug swipe - a clear sign of positive change.
Mr Adam Pipe, Head of the Roads Policing Unit, said:
This is great news for us and shows the positive impact that Op Limit is having.
This type of behavioural change is often unrecorded.
Statistics are one thing, but the lasting impact of a change like this on our roads is really difficult to capture, so news like this is very pleasing to hear.
Officers also encountered a known disqualified driver travelling as a passenger in a vehicle driven by his fully compliant brother. While no offences were committed on this occasion, it highlights why proactive policing and public cooperation remain essential to ensure safety on our roads.
Mr Pipe added:
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We continually highlight the issues encountered on our roads, take enforcement action and work with our partners to keep the roads safe, but the message isn’t getting through to some drivers.
Responsible drivers make sure they are fit to drive, don’t take unnecessary risks and concentrate on the road ahead. That way they, their passengers and all road users stay safe.
I’d encourage everyone to reflect on their driving behaviour and be honest with themselves. If it’s not up to scratch, do something about it.
Throughout the one-day operation, officers recorded 99 speeding offences, submitted 117 traffic offence reports, and seized 16 vehicles for no insurance. There were 14 arrests, 13 of which were linked to drug or alcohol related driving.
Road safety operations like this show why a robust policing presence matters.
Enforcement, education and engagement all play a vital role - and even one person choosing to change their behaviour can make our roads safer for everyone.
 Reflect on your behaviour
Our message is clear - even when the type of abuse isn’t. Reflect on your abusive behaviour and get the help you need to change.
Working in partnership with Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), and collaborating on real behavioural change success with new service provider Cranstoun, our Reflect campaign continues to confront domestic abuse in Essex.
Our award‑winning Reflect campaign returns in 2026 with a refreshed, innovative look to reach even more audiences. Whilst the campaign has evolved over the years to stay ahead of emerging forms of abuse, it continues to carry the same core message; if you recognise harmful behaviour in yourself, it’s time to Reflect on your abusive behaviour and get help to change.
Using insights from our partners, we’ve once again shone a spotlight on the toxic behaviours that continue to drive domestic abuse across Essex, from stalking, obsessive behaviour, digital abuse and physical violence, to the less‑depicted but equally harmful patterns of abuse like manipulation, gaslighting, intimidation and financial control.
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