‘Slow down, save lives,’ was the message as schoolchildren joined the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, to conduct a successful speed watch operation in Smethwick.
Year 5 pupils from Cape Primary School teamed up with West Midlands Police to record the speeds of motorists using one of the PCC’s new community speed watch devices.
PCC Simon Foster successfully secured £27,200 of funding to purchase 16 high-spec speed devices to be used by communities, groups and officers across the West Midlands.
Speaking alongside schoolchildren and officers in Smethwick, PCC Simon Foster said: “I’d like to praise the children here who have sent out a strong message to those passing their school.
“Their brilliant banner says it all: ‘Slow down, save lives’ – and that’s exactly what we want to achieve, to save lives.
“We’ve seen tragic deaths on our roads in the West Midlands as a result of reckless speeding. Putting a stop to dangerous driving is all about changing attitudes and that’s what today is all about.
“The number of motorists driving past our speed watch, slowing down and taking note of the children’s message was pleasing to see. The 16 community speed watch devices I have paid for can be used by anyone willing to give up their time to help keep our roads safe.
“Road safety will remain a top priority for me as we head into 2025. I am committed to playing my part so that we prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and reduce the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads.”
Sally Baker, headteacher of Cape Primary School in Smethwick, added: “I’d like to thank PCC Simon Foster and our local officers for dedicating their time to conduct a very important speed watch operation outside our school.
“The children really enjoyed and engaged in the session, telling drivers to slow down. It was great for them to hear about the speed limits and why it’s vital to keep safe on our roads.”
Motorists clocked driving above the 20 miles per-hour speed limit during the hour-long speed watch along Cape Hill will now be issued with warning letters. Drivers can also be prosecuted in the form of a fine or having points on their license if speed devices are used by fully-trained officers.
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