The death toll on Essex roads rose substantially - in national road safety week.

Three people were killed on the county's roads during the seven-day campaign which ended on Sunday. And police hope the disturbing facts will jolt drivers into taking more care.

Traffic police officer, Acting Chief Inspector Ian Debbage, said: "I hope the driving community as a whole will be shocked by the rising death toll and will regard it as a reminder of the responsibility in their hands."

Essex Police officers supported the initiative with a blitz on drink-driving, speeding and seat-belt enforcement. But during the campaign three people died in road incidents, in Kelvedon, Maldon and Benfleet.

About 176 drivers in Essex were stopped for flouting seat belt laws. A further 529 drivers were stopped for speeding and either given a £40 fine or face prosecution.

Fifteen drivers were arrested on suspicion of being over the drink-drive limit.

Despite this crackdown and others earlier in the year, the number of people killed in crashes in Essex stands at 46, up six on the previous year.

Mr Debbage, of Essex Police Traffic Division, added: "Campaigns like those during Road Safety Week are well worthwhile and without them there would be more deaths and injuries.

"But the police and other campaigners can only do so much. There is an onus on every driver to play their own part in making roads safer.

"Every one of them must be mindful of their responsibility to drive with care and of the terrible pain and suffering which can follow even a momentary lapse."

Road Safety Week was co-ordinated by Brake, the independent road safety organisation, with support from police forces, the Government and other organisations.

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