SPEEDING drivers will come face to face with a new breed of traffic cops set to hit the streets later this month.

Children from three Saltney primary schools are set to join forces with officers from North Wales Police as part of a crackdown on motorists who are putting lives in danger.

Pupils from St Anthony’s Primary, Saltney Ferry Primary and Wood Memorial Primary will be given special training before helping police to deal with drivers speeding on Chester Road.

PCSO Dan Hughes said he hope the initiative would force motorists to cut their speed.

“This is a different tactic and drivers may think about the consequences even more if spoken to by young children,” he said.

“Research has shown this has been tried elsewhere with great success.”

Youngsters will help Saltney community beat manager PC Ian Millington and PCSO Hughes catch speeding motorists using laser speed guns.

Drivers will then be told about the dangers of speeding and the risks of hitting a child by the young road safety experts.

“Enforcement is ongoing in all areas of Saltney but it was decided it would be a great idea to use local primary school children to speak to drivers who are going over the speed limit,” said PCSO Hughes.

“There are three busy roads outside each school. Drivers’ speeds will be checked and they will be stopped if appropriate. The children and ourselves will then speak to them.”

He added anybody driving well in excess of the speed limit could still expect a harsh penalty.

Saltney mayor Cllr Richard Lloyd said speeding was a big problem in the town.

“There is definitely an issue as some drivers simply don’t respect the speed limit. I have seen cars flying down the road at more the twice the speed limit,” he said.

“I would like to see a speed camera put up on the road but this is a very good idea.

“I am sure it will make some drivers, especially those with children, think twice about speeding. It is very important we bring the message home about the dangers of speeding.”
 

Police said the newly-trained youngsters would begin monitoring traffic this month and, if successful, the scheme could be extended in the future.