‘Children’s court’ for speeders in Warrington

Warrington Borough Council’s road safety team recently hosted a ‘Children’s Court’, as part of ongoing work to combat speeding in the local area. Now in its second year, the Children’s Court builds on the success of last year’s scheme, which was carried out as part of the Cheshire Road Safety campaign.

At last year’s Children’s Court, 15 drivers were stopped, with the highest speed recorded at 10mph over the 20mph limit – highlighting the ongoing need for awareness and enforcement around schools. At 30mph, a vehicle takes 11 metres (around three car lengths) longer to stop than at 20mph – and a pedestrian hit at that speed has a one in five chance of being killed.

This year’s focus was Myddleton Lane, directly outside Winwick Primary School, where speeding poses a serious risk to children who may be less visible at drop-off and pick-up times.

The court was led by pupils from the school, who took on the role of judges and questioners. Speeding motorists caught exceeding the 20mph limit were stopped by police and given a choice: pay a fine or face the ‘uncomfortable interrogation’ from pupils at the Children’s Court.