Speeding motorists given the choice of accepting a fine or facing 'Kids Court' in Maguiresbridge

by Gráinne Connolly

Drivers caught exceeding the 30mph limit outside St. Mary’s Primary School and Maguiresbridge Primary School, in Maguiresbridge yesterday, were faced with the choice of accepting a fine or facing a 'Kids Court'. 

Those who chose the court, were grilled by a panel of children, who asked why they were speeding and if they were aware they could have hit a child. 

This gave the drivers the chance to explain to the children or alternatively receive penalty points along with the fine. 

In just over two hours, a total of 12 motorists were stopped. 

Of those 12, 10 motorists faced Kids Court, one motorist chose not to sit in Kids Court, while another was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Constable Trevor Kirke has told Q Radio the initiative has been educational for both the driver and the children about road safety, and can also be quite hard hitting: 

Principal of St.Mary's Primary School, Mr 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 are very grateful to the PSNI to be able to combine this initiative with our Shared Education Road Safety programme with our neighbouring school Maguiresbridge P.S, we have no doubt the impact on offending drivers will be very significant.”
 

Principal of Maguiresbridge Primary School, Mrs. Honour Irvine, said:

“'We are delighted to be part of this innovative and lifesaving campaign alongside St Mary's Primary school and the PSNI.

"In the weeks leading up to 'Kids Court' the children have been learning about Road Safety and the dangers of excessive speed.

"We feel it is a very worthwhile project that will not only impact the children, their families but also the wider community of Maguiresbridge.

"The young people of the village want to remind road users to slow down, obey the speed limits and keep everyone safe.”
 

PCSP Chairperson Cllr John Coyle said:

“The PCSP welcomes this initiative promoting and instilling road safety messages with school pupils and motorists. The court experience drives home the potential consequences of careless and dangerous driving with the aim to change behaviours and attitudes to road safety.”

(PCSP Chairperson Cllr John Coyle, Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School, Mr. John Prunty, Principal of Maguiresbridge Primary School, Mrs. Honour Irvine, and PSNI Const. Trevor Kirke, photographed with some of the children who took part in Kids Court.)