PUPILS from Otterham Primary School were able to learn about speed awareness during a visit from Camelford Police recently.

On Monday, July 1, PC Ives, PCSO Dodd and SC Bridgman from Camelford Police paid a visit to Otterham Primary School and conducted a school speed watch with some pupils from Years 4 to 6. They guided pupils to Marshgate Post Office to undertake the activity, following concern from local residents about excessive speed from passing traffic.

During the course of the morning, pupils used the speed detection device to measure the speeds of passing cars. When a vehicle was spotted going too fast, they were signalled to pull over by officers and drivers were interviewed by pupils, who ensured they reflected on the possible consequences of their actions with a set of grilling questions.

In total, 54 cars passed through the area and eleven were stopped by police to be interviewed by Otterham pupils. The top recorded speed was 44mph and the majority stopped were travelling between 34 and 37mph.

A police spokesperson said: “It is our intention to re-visit Otterham in the near future and extend this initiative to other schools in the area.”

Year 5 and 6 teacher, Claire Humber, said: “The Year 5 and 6 children thoroughly enjoyed the responsibility of using the speed gun when taking part in the community speed watch activity last week, and felt particularly authoritative when questioning speeding drivers about both their behaviour and the potential consequences of driving too fast through the village.

“In just a few hours, the two groups of children caught a total of 12 speeding drivers, recording speeds between 35mph and 44mph.

“Following the event, the class noted how this activity was a real eye-opener and were shocked by how many people had driven too fast through the village of Marshgate. It has certainly made them more aware about the importance of road safety and it is hoped that lessons learnt by the children will hopefully stay with them when they become drivers themselves in the future.”