Drivers caught exceeding the 30mph limit outside St. Mary’s Primary School and Maguiresbridge Primary School were given a tough choice –  get a fine and penalty points or face being grilled by a panel of ‘judges’ in the form of schoolchildren in ‘Kids Court’. 

Those detected speeding last Thursday morning faced the children who asked why they were speeding and if they were aware they could have hit a child. As well as being asked why they were speeding they were also asked a number of questions about road safety.

A total of 12 motorists were stopped in just over a two hour period, of whom ten faced ‘Kids Court’ where they got a lesson from the young judges on the dangers of speeding and also faced questions about their road safety knowledge.

Constable Trevor Kirke said: “The goal of the project is to change driver behaviour through this experience of personally meeting with the pupils. This isn’t about trying to catch people out – it’s about making our roads safer for all who use them, whether they are children or adults and whether they are pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.”

Principal of St Mary’s PS, John Prunty, said: “Our pupils are thrilled to be involved in such a unique opportunity to promote such a strong Road Safety message. The idea that the children will be dealing with real people who have broken the law just outside their school, fills them with excitement and concern in equal measure. With this programme, the children feel they are making a real difference. We have no doubt the impact on offending drivers will be very significant.”