A NEW generation of traffic cops has hit the streets as part of a crackdown on speeding drivers.
Pupils from three primary schools joined forces with officers from North Wales Police for a speed awareness day in Saltney, which proved a huge success.
Children from St Anthony’s Primary, Saltney Ferry Primary and Wood Memorial Primary were given special training before helping PC Ian Millington and PCSO Dan Hughes deal with drivers speeding in the town.
About 25 motorists, who were travelling just above the speed limit, were stopped and told about the dangers of driving too fast by the newly-trained recruits.
PCSO Hughes said the scheme, which involved four pupils from each school, had been very successful.
“We set up outside each school and conducted speed checks. Those who were driving excessively were stopped and spoken to,” he said.
“They were asked some rather harsh and emotional questions by the pupils that really hit home.”
PCSO Hughes said the initiative was set up after residents raised concerns about speeding.
“The idea of using children as a one-off educational tool was suggested at our last neighbourhood police meeting,” he said.
“We spoke to the children beforehand to get their opinions on the consequences of excessive speed. When they confronted the drivers there was a sense of realism from them of what devastating consequences it can have.
“The drivers we spoke to all said it was an exercise that had definitely given them food for thought.”
Saltney community beat manager PC Millington praised the work of the young traffic cops.
“I was impressed by the confidence and enthusiasm of the young people taking part in this exercise who would have enjoyed spending a lot longer on the exercise if their studies allowed,” he said. “To have a young child tell you the alarming statistic that 80 per cent of children live if vehicles travel at 30 mph whereas 80 per cent die if they travel at just 10mph over this limit certainly got the message home to visibly shell-shocked motorists that excess speed kills.
“The young people were also able to hear a wide variety of excuses for driving too fast which they then challenged, causing much embarrassment to the motorists concerned.”
Saltney mayor Cllr Richard Lloyd said: “It was a really successful day and I think the message got home, especially to drivers who have children of their own.”