School youngsters work with police following speeding concerns

Officers from Safer Neighbourhood policing teams who work in the Clay Cross, Shirland, Wingerworth and Calow areas carried out checks outside 13 different primary schools during May.

Any drivers found breaking the limits where the schools are located, were stopped and given the option of speaking to the youngsters about their speed. Drivers who were caught in excess of the cut off speed were issued a speeding ticket.

Primary schools taking part included Park House in Lower Pilsley, Sharley Park in Danesmoor, Hunloke Park in Wingerworth, as well as in Shirland, Pilsley, Wigley, Calow, Wessington, Tupton, Ashover, North Wingfield, Stonebroom and Morton.

A total of 140 drivers were spoken to during the four week-long initiative, and 17 tickets were issued.

Youngsters at each school had also designed their own posters which they handed out to the motorists.

PCSO Kate Hodnett of the North Wingfield, Pilsley, Stonebroom and Shirland Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, who helped to set up the initiative, said: “This is a great initiative which allows police and local schools work together to help make their villages and roads safer, and aims to raise awareness around the dangers of speeding, especially near schools.

“The children think of their own questions to ask the motorists, with help from their teachers and officers, and these can often really make drivers consider the real consequences of speeding. Some people have even been brought to tears.”

PCSO Hodnett added: “We find that this can be a more powerful way to get the message across rather than simply handing a motorist a speeding ticket.”

For more information on the North Wingfield, Pilsley, Stonebroom and Shirland Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team visit the website, www.derbyshire.police.uk, call 101 or email [email protected].

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