Families enjoyed a special open event on road safety run by Essex Police today.

The event opened up South Woodham Ferrers' police station to all, where officers and staff from the Casualty Reduction Unit had fun and games to find out more about what the unit does, as well as passing on vital information on how we can all work together to keep our roads safe.

Residents were greeted by officers from the Special Constabulary and Essex Street Pastors, welcoming them to the event as well as promoting the work of our volunteers.

Youngsters were able to see and sit on the motorbikes, cars and even a lorry that officers use on patrol to help reduce crashes on the county’s roads.

Partners from the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), including Essex Highways and Essex Air Ambulance were on hand to talk about road safety, from advising about blind spots to visitors taking part in activities on how your concentration is affected if you’re distracted whilst driving.

A regional presence from Norfolk and Suffolk Police officers gave onlookers the chance to drive in a Lotus driving simulator, spreading the word about bad driving behaviour and how to remain responsible on the roads.

Attendees could also take on simple challenges – but with the addition of drunk simulation googles, which made the task much more difficult as well as proved the dangers of drunk driving.

Volunteers from the Community Speedwatch scheme were also on hand to talk about how to join in the town’s scheme.

Kids also had a chance to dress up in uniform at the Essex Police Museum stand, as well as get their face painted throughout the day – some even took on the challenge of Whack a Rat, led by burglar Bill with his bag of swag.

Children and adults alike also said hello to PD Boo and his handler Pc Mark Needham, finding out more about the crucial work taken on by the force’s Dog Unit.

April Westcott, who attended the event with her family, said: "This is such a wonderful event – it is the second year that the police have ran it and it is always well received. It’s a great day out for the children and they really enjoy having the chance to see the cars and find out more about what the officers do”.

Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s casualty reduction manager, said: "The day has gone really well. When the Casualty Reduction Unit came to South Woodham Ferrers there was always an objective to be part of the local life in the town.

"There are a lot of local people here today, seeing what we and partners do in order to keep Essex safer. I’m incredibly pleased as to how the event has gone. Community remains important to us, particularly working with residents on road safety and helping us to take people who commit motoring offences off our roads”.

Find out more about the Safer Essex Roads Partnership on their website: https://saferessexroads.org/