Slow down outside schools say Strathearn pupils

Nov 11 2011 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

Slow down outside schools say Strathearn pupils

A STRATHEARN school has taken possession of a speed gun in an attempt to make drivers aware that they should slow down when in the vicinity.

Crieff police have loaned St Dominic’s Primary School the equipment as part of a Community Speeding Initiative and hope to also roll out the scheme to other schools in the area.

Last Monday community officer PC Bell trained P7 pupils in the use of the speed gun and during the process there was a noticeable slowing down of cars when motorists spied the device.

For years there has been a problem with cars being driven too fast past the Broich Road school and it is hoped that the gun will activate awareness and act as a deterrent.

“In addition to the normal police checks, pupils will now be able to carry out their own speed checks under appropriate supervision,” PC Bell told the Herald. “The thinking behind the initiative is that a police presence slows people down but some speed up again when we’re not there. If drivers see the children out there with the gun it might make them more aware of their speed.”

The police have modern new equipment so the old gun is being made good use of.

PC Bell added: “The old equipment remains accurate. The children are not using it to detect offences but to make people aware of their speed particularly while passing the school. However, the children can take a note of registration numbers of those exceeding the 20-mile speed limit when the lights are flashing or the 30-mile limit at other times.

“The scheme is also a way of educating the children who will be the drivers of the future.”