Drivers sent message from pupils and police

Primary school pupils, police and community volunteers came together to tackle the issue of speeding in a Fylde village.

Pupils from Staining Primary School fashioned their own happy and sad signs to send a clear message to motorists in a speed trap on Chain Lane.

The exercise was co-ordinated by two Police Community Support Officers, Rebecca Didsbury and Trevor Sterling.

It was part of a week-long speed awareness operation being run in the busy Fylde village.

They were responding to concerns raised by local residents and members of the parish council about the speed of some vehicles through the village.

Chain Lane is a well-used rat run, used by drivers travelling between Marton and Poulton.

There is a 20mph limit on the road but plenty of motorists travel faster – with several caught by pupils in their hour-long session.

And those breaking the speed limit on Wednesday afternoon found themselves under the critical gaze of primary school pupils.

PCSO Sterling said: “The children did a terrific job showing smiley face signs for those driving at correct speeds and sad faces for those driving in excess of speed limits.

“The session took place in the 20mph zone of the road, on this occasion three vehicles have been recorded traveling at speeds in excess of 28 mph.”

As well as leading the speed check operation PCSO Sterling took a school assembly at the school discussing road safety with the children and was very impressed with their knowledge on keeping safe.”

A team of five pupils were joined by community volunteers.

As well as holding up their signs the children were given the opportunity to try out the high-tech speed camera equipment for themselves.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “It was good to get the schoolchildren involved

“It is an important opportunity for them to learn about road safety and to remind drivers of the speed limit.”