MOTORISTS driving too fast near a school in Holcombe were quizzed by pupils as part of a move by police and council officers to enforce the speed limit.

Year 5 and 6 pupils from Emmanuel Holcombe Primary School in Helmshore Road used speed checking equipment to pinpoint guilty drivers.

The aim behind the clampdown was education rather than prosecution, resulting in four drivers who were stopped by the police being given the chance to talk to the pupils.

They answered three questions about their driving and how they would feel if their loved ones were affected by a speeding driver.

Deputy headteacher Helen Clark said: “The children found it really useful and now have a clearer awareness of speeding in general.

“They took it seriously, interviewing speeding drivers and then discussing it afterwards among themselves. Quite a few children were saying that many excuses given weren’t reasons to speed.”

PC David Johnson, from Ramsbottom Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Sometimes a message from a child can be more effective than a message from an authority figure, because it makes us stop and think about what we are doing and how that can affect other people.

“We hope the drivers realise how lucky they have been and how dangerous speeding can be to all road users.”

Officers said the drivers questioned thought it was a positive way of highlighting the dangers of speeding and encouraging them to slow down.

Nearby residents also came out to thank the children for the work they were doing and the positive impact that it could have on many people that live in and travel through the area.

Ted Booker, council road safety officer, said: “We are very grateful to the school, the parents and the children for really embracing this project.

“We hope that the children involved have a heightened awareness of road safety and that the drivers that were stopped are more respectful towards the community areas that they drive through.”