A GANG of Brentwood pupils have teamed up with the police to send out a message to irresponsible motorists speeding outside their school gates to slow down.
In the latest instalment of the Gazette's Safety At Schools campaign, which was set up to promote responsible driving outside primary and senior schools across the borough, a team of Year 7 pupils from Brentwood County High School joined up with PC Aaron Tansley, from Essex Police, to point a speed gun at drivers breaking the limit.
Among the group of children surveying speeds in Seven Arches Road was 12-year-old Lauren Roberts, who was shocked at the number of drivers flouting the law.
"I was surprised at how many had no seat belts on," she said.
"I think they should drive slowly as there is St Helen's junior school nearby and they are very young and are crossing the road on their own."
Fellow pupil Joseph Richards sent out a clear message to people ignoring the limits.
The 11-year-old said: "It's important that they drive slowly as people could be playing football on the common and not think and run out on the road to retrieve a ball.
"When using the gun I felt I was in charge of the driver and could make them slow down."
After months of pressure by the Gazette through our SAS campaign, which was launched in February, Essex County Council announced a formal review of its speed limit policy in August.
The movement also has the backing of Brentwood Borough Council leader Louise McKinlay who joined up with SAS to push for "20's plenty" signs outside every primary school in the borough.
The battle continues.
SAS has also drawn support from Brentwood's Lib Dem and Labour leaders and the independent councillor Roger Keeble.
The children from County High took to the streets on December 12.
