Pupils from a Farnborough school have been working with the police to highlight road safety messages to motorists.

Throughout the morning of Monday, October 12, pupils from Guillemont Junior School were out on Sandy Lane with officers using a speed gun to monitor the traffic.

Pupils were given the opportunity to talk to drivers found breaking the speed limit and explain why it is important to slow down.

Over the past three years, there has been a rise in casualties among school age children following collisions involving unrestrained passengers, pedestrians and cyclists, often around school start and finish times.

The police and Hampshire County Council’s Road Safety Team are working with schools on a number of initiatives over the winter and into the spring and this operation was just one of those activities.

PC Tanya Clarke, from the Fernhill and St John’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “There is a perception by local residents that people are speeding along Sandy Lane, which is a long through road with only one traffic calming measure. This exercise allows us to establish the real level of speed along this road working in partnership with the school and our colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit.

“Not only did this operation provide a fun and interesting venture for the children and give them an opportunity to interact with the police and public in a protected learning environment, it also allowed us to educate them at an early age about the importance of road safety.”

The education and enforcement days also allow officers to speak to pupils about road safety issues, and in particular about the dangers of using mobile phones or MP3 players while crossing the road, running out from behind buses and general safety tips on walking and cycling to school.

Guillemont Junior School headteacher Kate Fuller supported the pupils taking part in the speed tests. She said: “Our children want to feel safe to walk to school without the fear of reckless drivers.”

Hampshire Constabulary is asking parents and teachers to reinforce the following road safety messages:

·           Be careful even on roads you know

·           Make sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather. Bright or reflective clothes are best during the day and reflective material is the most effective at night.

·           If out walking at night, choose routes that are well lit by streetlights and cross at well lit places

·           When out on your bike, always wear the correct safety gear, including a helmet

·           Don’t be distracted by your friends when crossing the road

·           Turn off your mobile or MP3 player when cycling or crossing the road