Junior patrol team cracks down on speeding drivers

A school's junior road safety team whose members patrol the area for drivers breaking the law has helped to "dramatically reduce" speeding, police have said.

When pupils at Horton Grange Primary in Bradford spot people using their phones while driving, not wearing a seat belt or parking inconsiderately, they offer advice and safety information.

The team of Year 6 students works with officers from West Yorkshire Police, who also teach children how to use mobile speed cameras and log how fast motorists are travelling.

Aneela Ahmed, the school's safety patrol organiser, said: "It's not just about the parents, it's about any drivers that come past the school - the lesson is for everybody."

"The main aim is to encourage our children and learn leadership skills by ensuring they learn the environment around them and how to keep it safe," she said.

After a morning briefing, the 13 children involved, all wearing high visibility jackets, line up by a dangerous junction near the school.

They hold placards to encourage motorists to slow down in the 20mph (32 km/h) zone and remind them to buckle up.

Inayah, a member of the Junior Road Safety Team, said: "We went up to a car as the engine was running and the person was busy on their phone.

"We explained to him that he can't do that. He apologised and said he wouldn't do it again."

Local officer PC Normanton said the situation had improved since the patrols got under way.

"The number of speeders since we started this process has dramatically come down - so people are obviously aware we are monitoring the speed and the safety of the kids," he explained.

"There's no need to speed and it's good to see the message the kids have got across is having an impact."

Horton Grange Primary School has also become a West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partner representing Exceed schools.

West Yorkshire Vision Zero is the local partnership approach to road safety, aiming to end all road death and serious injuries in West Yorkshire by 2040.

Ahmed said: "The positive impact the Junior Road Safety Team is having on the local community is truly commendable.

"These young people are helping to spread vital safety messages - urging drivers to slow down, wear seat belts and avoid using mobile phones - three of the 'fatal five'.

"It's clear their message is being heard," she added.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.