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10-year-olds link up with police to snare too-fast drivers
Slow: Children from St James School with PC David Gaskill and Rachael Jackson
Speeding drivers were given a lesson in slowing down by pupils at a Leyland school.
The 10-year-old pupils from St James’ School in Moss Side joined forces with police officers to explain to motorists about the dangers of driving too quickly.
Twenty-two drivers were stopped for going over the 20mph speed limit on nearby Slater Lane and told to slow down by children.
Ian Ashmore, acting headteacher at Leyland St James’ School, said: “Slater Lane is an extremely busy road especially at the beginning and end of the school day with drivers regularly exceeding the 20mph speed limit.
“By getting the children actively involved, I hope drivers will realise the dangers of speeding, making the road outside school safer for our children.”
John Ainscough, Lancashire Police’s neighbourhood sergeant for Leyland, said: “We wanted to educate parents and children about the importance of staying safe on the roads and to remind motorists about the dangers of speeding.
“I hope this initiative helped to remind motorists of the importance of sticking to the speed limit.”
Figures show almost seven out of 10 accidents where people are either killed or seriously injured occur in 30mph areas.
Of these, 79 per cent were either cyclists or those on foot. Studies show this is more of a problem in Lancashire than in other areas.
The project was part of Schools Road Watch, which supports a scheme by Lancashire County Council to introduce 20mph speed limits in all main residential areas and outside schools.
County Coun Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, said: “The fact that children have provided the important message about careful driving will have a huge impact on motorists.
“It is proven that those who are hit by cars driving at below 20mph are far less likely to be killed or seriously injured than at 30.
“This work links to our 20mph campaign which aims to reduce casualties and ensure that driving at 20mph becomes the norm across Lancashire.
“I was pleased to take part in this Road Watch event and thank the staff and pupils of St James’ school for doing a great job.”
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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