Pupils help police speedy drivers
YOUNGSTERS JOIN OFFICERS IN ASKING MOTORISTS TO REDUCE THEIR SPEED
Sunderland pupils have joined forces with police in a bid to catch speeding motorists who are putting lives of children at risk.
Officers have launched a new community initiative in partnership with English Martyrs’ RC Primary School and Sunderland City Council to encourage drivers to curb their speed on Redcar Road.
It follows a series of concerns raised by residents, parents and staff that motorists are putting the lives of children at risk by ignoring the 30mph limit and driving too fast near the Southwick school.
Officers were invited into the classroom to show pupils how to use the speed guns as part of a road safety session – and then the children put the equipment to the test at the roadside.
Pc Louise Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a really busy road and it’s important that we get the message across to drivers that speeding can pose a significant risk to the children and staff at the school.
“Officers will continue to keep a close watch on the speed that vehicles travel on this road and take appropriate action against anybody who chooses to ignore the law.”
Paula Cornell, headteacher at the primary, said speeding has been an issue outside the school gates for some time and has delivered her own message to motorists.
She said: “The children have really enjoyed working with the police and the council on this project, and I hope it makes a difference and encourages motorists to think twice about their speed.”