Children challenge speeding drivers in powerful Nantwich road safety initiative

Drivers caught speeding outside a Nantwich primary school were given the opportunity to hear first-hand how their actions affect local children as part of a powerful Cheshire Police road safety initiative.

Officers joined pupils from Stapley Broad Lane Primary School and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday 1 October for ‘The Kids Are Watching’, an initiative designed to tackle speeding through education and reflection as well as enforcement. 

Speeding motorists were stopped by officers and invited to speak with pupils, who asked a series of challenging questions, including: "Why were you speeding?", "Is where you were going more important than my life?" and "How would you feel if a police officer knocked on your door and told you your loved one wasn't coming home because of a speeding driver?" 

The aim was to encourage motorists to think about the real-life consequences of speeding and the impact it can have on families and communities. 

PC Millie Smith, from Nantwich Beat Team said:

"The ‘Kids Are Watching’ initiative gives us a different way of addressing speeding while involving the local community. Rather than simply issuing a ticket, we give drivers the opportunity to hear directly from young people and understand how speeding makes them feel. 

"The conversations can be incredibly powerful. We've seen drivers left speechless and even in tears after being asked some very thoughtful questions. For many people, that message stays with them far longer than enforcement alone." 

Speeding remains one of the Fatal Five factors most commonly associated with people being killed or seriously injured on Cheshire's roads. Even small increases in speed can reduce a driver's ability to react and significantly increase the severity of a collision. 

Cheshire Police is reminding motorists to slow down and remember that speed limits are there to protect lives. 

Following the success of the operation, officers will continue delivering the ‘Kids Are Watching’ initiative across Nantwich. 

For road safety advice, and further information on how the Constabulary helps keep Cheshire's roads safe, visit: 

Keeping safe on Cheshire's roads | Cheshire Constabulary 

You can watch Cheshire Police's video here...