School children in Oldbury shame speeding drivers into slowing down
Drivers caught speeding outside a Black Country school have been shamed into slowing down after they were hauled in front of a court of schoolchildren.
Motorists caught speeding outside Bristnall Hall Academy, in Oldbury, were given the option of a fine or facing pupils asking questions about why they were speeding.
Nine motorists were caught speeding near to the school during the operation recently - with the highest speed being recorded as 38mph in the 30mph zone.
One motorist said being hauled in front of the children made him feel ‘embarrassed’ and ‘vulnerable’.
It is the first time a Sandwell high school has hosted the Kids Court sessions, which have already been rolled out at several primary schools around the borough.
The campaign is run by Sandwell Council’s road safety team in partnership with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service.
One driver who was caught speeding and ended up being quizzed by the year eight pupils, said: “It was very intense and made me feel very vulnerable.
“Probably like the people I could have hurt.”
He added that 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.”
Councillor David Hosell, the council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, 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.”
