Children become speed cops

6

CHILDREN took part in a high profile police campaign at Warrington – and got a chance to ask speeding drivers how they would feel if they caused an accident.
Year 6 pupils from Culcheth Primary School took part in a special speed awareness day to educate motorists about the rules of the road.
The 21 youngsters, dressed in high-visibility jackets, joined officers to carry out Community Speed Watch checks on the A574 Warrington Road at Culcheth.
Vehicles’ speed was monitored using a hand-held speed gun. Drivers over the limit were stopped and advised by an officer – and then given the option of being spoken to by the children.
Police Community Support Officer Steve Dodd said: “The issue of speeding drivers has been highlighted as a priority in the area. The issue on Warrington Road has been brought to our attention by parents who have aired their concerns while talking to local officers at the school gates.”
Officers launched the project in partnership with the school after talking to pupils about the issue of speeding drivers and the potential consequences of their actions.
PCSO Dodd said: “The children then came up with a list of questions to ask any motorists who were stopped for speeding.”
Questions included whether the driver lived locally, if they were aware of the speed limit and proximity of the school and how often they use the road.
“They also asked them why they were travelling above the speed limit and how would they feel if they hit a child while driving along the road?”
During one hour 344 vehicles were recorded travelling along the stretch of road. Two vehicles were clocked travelling between 36-40mph. The drivers were stopped and after speaking to officers, agreed to be spoken to by the children.
PCSO Dodd added: “We hope that the efforts of the children will help to reduce the speed of vehicles on the road. The road has a 30mph limit but it is clear that some drivers are choosing to ignore the restrictions that are in place – the restrictions are there for a reason.
“The safety of the children is our priority and it is hoped that the project will have a big impact on drivers in the area.”


6 Comments
Share.

About Author

Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

6 Comments

  1. So, out of 344 cars monitored; only 2 were travelling above the speed limit? Why does Ken Dodd not praise the responsible motorists for keeping within the speed limit instead of coming out with ridiculous statements such as……… “The road has a 30mph limit but it is clear that some drivers are choosing to ignore the restrictions that are in place”

  2. These kids are going to go away from this thinking the police are going to solve the problem and the roads are therefore safer from now on. This exercise seems to have focused entirely on making out that the drivers at fault when more often it’s the kids themselves. The kids should be taught how to act responsibly near main roads and if necessary shown pictures accidents that would scare the **** out of them if that’s what it takes to get the message across.

  3. In all fairness Bill the very same pictures should be shown to a lot of motorists and other road users to scare the **** out of them too (I include cyclists in that by theway), I often wonder why they dont show these sort of images to people in the final stages of learning to drive as it may make them think twice once they are let loose on their own. Also why dont show more graphic images in schools, on the tv or in newspapers etc Yes some of the p.c. brigade may say that it is not ‘correct’ for youngsters to see images of dead or injured people but all parents have to say is ‘well sadly that is what happens to people who are not careful….’ and for those parents who may also object to their little kiddies seeing these sorts of things… what would they prefer a child who is fully aware of the dangers and realities of what does happen or one that finishes up in a hospital bed or worse 🙁

  4. Baz

    You need to read the article more carefully.

    The road has aa 30 mph limit.

    2 vehicles were clicked travelling between 36-40mph

    What is the basis for you deciding that only 2 vehicles were travelling above the speed limit.?

    Do you think the rest were all travelling below the 30mph speed limit?

    Regards

    rod

  5. Bill, I think that they will go away thinking that it is adults who are the problem. And the debate about what is the right speed to travel in motor vehicles when we mix with people is the start of solving the problem.

    During the 20 mph pilots, thousands of Warrington people decided that they would moderate their speeds in residential streets.

    Unfortunately many adults when in cars do act irresponsibly by exceeding the speed limit as determined by the community. Whether it is 20 mph, 30 mph or 40 mph every person has a right to expect others to obey the rules set down.

    Regards

    Rod

  6. Rod, keep the patronising comments to your nursery kids. I read the article and responded on the article as written….. It only singles out the fact that 2 vehicles were doing between 36-40mph…. it does not state that any of the other 342 were exceeding the 30mph speed limit. Now because you know everything, can you tell me how fast the rest were travelling or are you just taking the holier than thou attitude that ALL of the cars were speeding?

Leave A Comment