A new head of roads policing has been appointed in Essex with the role going to a civilian for the first time.

Adam Pipe, who was previously casualty reduction manager at Essex Police, is the first civilian to take up the role for any force around the country.

Mr Pipe, who has also spent 25 years as a special in the Maldon area, replaces Chief Inspector Nick Lee, who is retiring.

He said: “I’m delighted to take on this role and have been eager to get started. Keeping people safe on our roads is really important and something I’m committed to.

“Policing our roads is not just about catching drink drivers and people using their mobile phones.

“Criminals like burglars, drug dealers, and people traffickers, use our highways to get around the county, committing offences that affect us all and that’s why this area of the force is so important.”

Chief Superintendent Rachel Nolan said: “Adam Pipe lives and breathes roads policing and has dedicated the last 17 years to keeping people safe on Essex’s roads.

“He has a huge amount of experience within this area and his passion is phenomenal.

“Policing is continually evolving and we need to make sure we’re using our officers in the most effective way.

“Civilianising this role means we can keep operational cops in operational roles.

“The head of roads policing job is a managerial position and Adam’s extensive experience within his role as casualty reduction manager makes him perfectly suited to it.”