Children of Wyke Primary School take action against bad driving

Pupils of Wyke Primary School, Normandy, took action against unwanted bad driving behaviour by participating in a speedwatch campaign in the vicinity of their school on Thursday 19 May.

Year 6 children used Genius speed guns funded by the Safer Guildford Partnership to stop and speak to offending motorists and make them aware of their bad driving habits.

Sara from Year 6 said: "I was amazed that in the 45 minutes that I was there we stopped as many as 20 cars."

Her colleague, Zac added: "I liked catching speeding drivers because I want the roads to be more safe for pedestrians and other drivers. I also liked working with the police and seeing what they do with speeding drivers and daily dilemmas".

Meanwhile, Morgan said he thought: "it is a good idea as it teaches us about why speeding is so dangerous".

The scheme is being run following feedback from the local police community support officer (PCSO) that people in the area were worried about speeding motorists and parking issues.  

Pippa James, Community Travel Advisor (West) said: "The scheme has proved highly successful elsewhere in the county and really brings home the safe driving message to motorists. It makes a real impact when a child stands in front of you with a clipboard and says: "Am I two, three or four times more likely to die if you hit me at 40mph than 30mph?".

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The scheme was launched following feedback from the local police community support officer (PCSO) that people in the area were worried about speeding motorists and parking issues in the area.

The initiative part of the countywide driving campaign, 'Drive SMART' and aims to educate children about safe transport and traffic awareness, educate motorists about their driving behaviour and reassure the local residents that action is being taken.

'Drive SMART' is a campaign by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police to tackle the problem of anti-social driving.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Lorraine Kerswill, Tel: 01483 444210

Safer Guildford Partnership Communications Officer