Speeding motorists clocked by police in Wolverhampton will avoid a fine or points – and instead be given a lecture by primary school children.

Drivers caught going over the speed limit next Friday will be asked by the youngsters: “How would you feel if you had hit and killed me?”

The children will then tell the offender to slow down before sending them on their way – free of punishment.

Police spokesman Lee Page said: “This will be an effective way of driving the message home that speeding is not acceptable and has consequences.”

The scheme is designed to encourage motorists to reduce their speed while also teaching youngsters about road safety.

It is part of a Government initiative, The 11 Million Takeover Day, in which children around the country will get the chance to help out at organisations such as police, councils and local schools and businesses.

Mr Page said: “The drivers will be pulled over then the children will tell them why they shouldn’t speed, they will ask how they would feel if they’d hit them and killed them.”

He added it would be similar to the Community Speedwatch scheme in which residents and police temporarily monitor certain roads with drivers caught going too fast often just given a caution.

Bizarre

Up to 20 children from a school still to be decided will be involved in the operation on Friday.

The area in which the operation will take place is not being revealed.

The idea has been supported by Carol Whittingham, founder and trustee of Support and Care After Road Death and Injury.

She said: “It may seem a little bizarre and like it’s a softly-softly approach but often drivers have children themselves and this could shock them into slowing down.

“I think the majority of people might listen because it is unusual to get a ticking off from a child.”

The 11 Million Takeover is now in its second year. In 2008 17,000 youngsters across the country took part in various different roles.

By Colin Drury