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Pupils from year 5 at
Barham School join PC Karen Robson on speed check duty outside
their school
by Adam Williams
Swift justice was administered to
speeding drivers outside a village school not from police officers,
but from a class of nine and 10-year-olds.
Three motorists got a grilling from
pupils at Barham Primary School this morning in a new initiative
police believe will drastically cut speeding. Instead of picking up
a £60 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points, drivers were made
to face a series of questions about their speeding from Year 5.
Emily Slater, 18, found herself under
the spotlight as she was clocked at 38 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Pupils from year 5 at
Barham School join PC Karen Robson on speed check duty outside
their school
She said: "It was really awkward at
first. There was this sea of faces asking me questions moments
after being stopped by the police.
"But, it was really effective and had a huge
impact. I didn’t want to have three points and a fine on my licence
so as soon as the officer told me I had the option of talking to
the children, I went for it."
The Simon Langton Grammar School for
Girls sixth-former, from Lympne, admitted she’ll learn from the
experience.
She added: "The children's questions
were really difficult to answer like 'how would I feel if you’d hit
a child and injured someone?’ or 'what would I do if I’d caused an
accident?’
"The honest answer is I just don’t
know as I’ve never experienced that."
The three motorists were stopped
driving at 34mph, 38mph and 44mph along Valley Road in Barham. All
took the option to answer questions from the children rather than
take the fine and points.
PC Mandy Poulter, from the Canterbury
Neighbourhood Team, explained the drivers would not normally have
the choice.
She said: "It’s not a question of
letting them get away with a fine. We still detain the drivers at
the roadside when they’re stopped and make it clear to them it’s
either one or the other.
"Obviously if there’s a huge
difference, say 50mph in a 30mph zone, then a court appearance or
stiffer punishment will still apply."
What do you think? Would you
face the wrath of an eight-year-old, or would you rather cough up
and pay the fine?
