Drivers caught speeding outside an Oldbury school have been shamed into slowing down – by being hauled in front of a court of schoolchildren.
Motorists caught in an operation outside Bristnall Hall Academy were given the option of a fine or to face Year 8 pupils asking difficult questions about why they were breaking the speed limit.
Nine motorists were caught speeding near to the school during the operation yesterday (Thursday 8 November) – with the highest speed recorded being 38mph in a 30mph zone.
It’s the first time a Sandwell high school has hosted the Kids Court sessions, which have already been run at several primary schools around the borough.
The campaign is run by the council’s road safety team in partnership with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service.
The sessions see children educated about the dangers and consequences of speeding. They also design banners urging drivers to slow down outside their school.
One driver caught speeding who ended up being quizzed by the pupils said: "It was very intense and made me feel very vulnerable. Probably like the people I could have hurt."
He added that attending Kids Court had made him feel: "so bad, I'm embarrassed. Speeding affects other people not just me. I will be more aware in the future of my speed."
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for highways and environment Councillor David Hosell said: “These sessions are really valuable – not only for educating the speeding drivers who get stopped, but for the children as well.
“Although road safety has improved hugely in Sandwell over the past decade, we can’t be complacent.
“The impact the Kids Court has on drivers is much greater than a fine. The drivers who end up being spoken to by the children tell us they will never forget the experience and that it makes them more aware of speed limits, especially around schools.”
Pupils said after the session: "I think it definitely will benefit me in the future because I want to change the people who have committed a crime."
"I think we made a difference. People will really think about what we did today."
