Staff at Southend Council are confident that two CCTV vehicles, which hit the streets last summer, have played their part in cutting accidents.

Official statistics show the number of incidents involving deaths or severe injuries fell from 65 in 2010 to 54 last year.

Andrew Meddle, Southend Council's head of planning and transport, said the reduction was a result of several measures designed to get people out of their cars.

"The CCTV cars have had a role in that, for certain. There have also been a lot of other initiatives, such as encouraging more people to use railways, buses and cycle routes."

Meddle continued: "We have invested heavily in public transport infrastructure and that is starting to pay dividends."

Further information
www.southend.gov.uk