Special Chief Inspector Samantha Wright was announced as the recipient of the first MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) ‘Special Constable Award for Outstanding Contribution to Roads Policing’, presented at the Project EDWARD Parliamentary Reception.

Special constables play a significant role in strengthening road safety across the UK by expanding the reach and capacity of police forces. Alongside tackling uninsured driving, a major factor linked to collisions and criminal activity, special constables also support wider enforcement against unsafe behaviours and vehicle-related offences. Through their visible presence on the roads, they help deter reckless driving, reassure communities, and uncover issues such as stolen vehicles and disqualified drivers.

The Parliamentary Reception, hosted by Project EDWARD at the House of Commons, brought together leaders, policymakers, and road safety campaigners to celebrate innovation and commitment in road safety. Chief Constable Jo Shiner, NPCC Lead for Roads Policing, worked with MIB to choose the ultimate winner from a pool of deserving nominees.

Special Chief Inspector Samantha Wright, who volunteers with Essex Police, received the highest accolade in recognition of delivering exceptional leadership and innovation in roads policing through her work with MIB and wider partnerships. She has built a strong relationship with MIB, leading Special Constabulary‑led operations that target uninsured drivers and broader road safety issues, significantly boosting enforcement and public confidence.

Her work was recognised as exemplifying the very best of the Special Constabulary, and for having had a tangible impact on reducing harm on our roads. Samantha has led 30 operations, with her strategic foresight and collaborative approach ensuring outstanding results, including 178 uninsured vehicle seizures, 18 immigration arrests, 75 speed offences and 240 Traffic Offence Reports for ‘Fatal Four’ offences.

The award also celebrated the achievements of two outstanding finalists:

• Special Inspector Scott Collen, West Midlands Police: Having been a special constable for over 17 years, Special Inspector Scott Collen now leads the Roads Policing Unit specials team with distinction. His leadership has driven recruitment, upskilling of fellow special constables, partnership operations tackling the Fatal Four, uninsured driving and street racing, marking him as an outstanding contributor to community safety.
• Special Constable Luke Howells, Durham Constabulary: Special Constable Luke Howells has dedicated more than 1,000 volunteer hours in the past year, often operating as a single‑crew. As an advanced driver, he targets high-harm routes and known hotspots based on risk and insight, removing over 40 uninsured and unroadworthy vehicles, as well as making multiple arrests for serious driving offences. Luke mentors new specials to build confidence in traffic stops, search powers and vehicle checks. He is proactive, respectful and relentlessly focused on reducing harm, exemplifying the best of volunteer policing.

Kjirste Coltham, Chief Operating Officer, who presented the award on behalf of MIB, said: “MIB is dedicated to supporting the victims of uninsured and hit‑and‑run collisions, but core to our purpose has to be reducing the number of potential victims by preventing uninsured driving.

“Whilst all police are instrumental in this, as our eyes and hands on the road to remove uninsured vehicles before they cause harm, special constables are a truly outstanding and inspirational group. They volunteer their time, often amongst already full and busy lives, to support our society. Their impact on roads policing, both across uninsured driving and wider roads offences, is invaluable.

“We’re delighted to be able to not just recognise our winner and finalists, but to be able to celebrate all special constables for their dedication and the positive influence they have in reducing harm to innocent victims.”

James Luckhurst, Project EDWARD founder said: “Special constables like Samantha, Scott and Luke remind us that skilled, motivated volunteers play a crucial in roads policing. They are delivering exactly the kind of evidence‑led enforcement that reduces harm and builds public confidence. We congratulate them and applaud the police forces who clearly support and encourage them to be the best they can be.

“It is a privilege for Project EDWARD to help shine a light on their achievements, which we think is a living, breathing example of the Safe System in action. We thank all special constables for the contribution they make to safer roads.”