26-05-2025
‘Dangerous' food delivery drivers ‘ignoring ban on vehicles' in Southend High Street
'DANGEROUS and unacceptable' delivery drivers flouting rules banning driving from parts of the High Street have come under fire from Southend Council and traders.
The council is urging food delivery companies to ensure their drivers are aware of the rules after traders and residents raised concerns around the risks posed by moped-riding delivery drivers in the High Street.
Large parts of the High Street are pedestrianised and therefore driving vehicles - including mopeds - is illegal.
We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.
Martin Terry, Independent councillor for community safety, has warned against the 'dangerous and unacceptable' behaviour by some riders and called on their bosses to do more to ensure the safety of other residents.
Action - Martin Terry wants companies to do more to curb 'dangerous' driving (Image: Newsquest) Murat Taganov owns Cafe Munchies on Queens Road, where delivery drivers often congregate while waiting to pick up orders.
'A lot of my customers are elderly, and I often hear them talking about the issue of moped drivers riding in pedestrian areas,' said Murat.
'It's been an issue for the entire time I've been based here, despite signs being up right outside that say any sort of vehicle use is banned.'
Despite responsibility for enforcement sitting with Essex Police, Mr Terry said that the council's Community Safety Officers would still act against nuisance riders.
Mr Terry said: 'The mopeds used by food delivery drivers are classified as motor vehicles and riding them through pedestrian areas of our High Street without prior authorisation is a criminal offence. This falls under police jurisdiction and is outside the scope of our PSPO, which focuses on e-scooters and cyclists.'
Hotspot - Delivery riders often congregate on Queens Road in the city centre (Image: Google Maps)In January, bollards separating High Street roads from walking zones were permanently raised in an effort to improve the safety of pedestrians.
Mr Terry added: 'Our Community Safety Officers will still engage with any mopeds or vehicles they see being used illegally, check for the required permissions, and work with the police when necessary.
'We've also upgraded our High Street bollard system to enhance safety and security, and we urge food delivery companies to take greater responsibility to ensure their riders understand and follow highway laws — this behaviour is dangerous and unacceptable.'
