Speeding motorists in Lisburn face Kids Court

By Adam Evans

Motorists speeding outside a school in Lisburn have been given the chance to take a fine or face a panel of children to account for their actions.

Drivers caught exceeding the 30mph limit outside St. Aloysius Primary School, in Lisburn, today were given the option of attending ‘Kids Court’, and face a panel of children to account for their actions.

The ‘judges’ were pupils at St. Aloysius Primary School and drivers who exceeded the 30mph limit were given the chance to explain to the children why they were speeding – the alternative was receiving penalty points and a fine. As well as being asked why they were speeding, a number of motorists were also asked questions about road safety.

Const. Jacky McDowell said, “Police have been working alongside teachers and staff of the school in order to educate the pupils in road safety. As part of this education pupils have participated in projects which highlight the dangers of excessive speed for road and traffic conditions, making them aware of their own vulnerability and responsibility, when near a road. This has resulted in their participation in educating drivers who have exceeded the speed restriction outside their school, as to the potential of what could have happened, this has personalised the message to those drivers that have agreed to meet with the pupils. The goal of the project is to change driver behaviour through this experience of personally meeting with the pupils.

“This isn’t about trying to catch people out – it’s about making our roads safer for all – children, adults, pedestrians, cyclists or motorists.

“As far as I am concerned, safety is paramount, so our message is loud and clear: slower is safer. And while anyone breaking the speed limit can expect to be pulled over by the police, this campaign is also about educating people about why this 30mph limit is safer. We will be encouraging them to think about their behaviour on the roads and if they have not already done so, to change it for the benefit of all.”

Martin McDonald from St Aloysius P.S. said, “Our location on the busy Ballinderry Road makes our pupils and parents venerable when dropping off or collecting pupils or when walking to and from school. Road safety is continually promoted throughout the school. However, the Kids Court initiative allows us to be proactive and highlight to drivers the vulnerability of our children aged 3-11 years. If we manage to change the mind set of even a few drivers, the intuitive will have been effective and our pupils much safer.