Shropshire school safety call from cartoon cops
New police recruits have been drafted in to help schools deal with parking problems and speeding.
The 3ft high cartoon cut-outs are being loaned to primary and secondary schools across Shropshire to remind motorists about the rules of the road.
'Think before you park', 'Slow down' and 'Don't park on the zigzags' are three messages on signs held by the cardboard coppers.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion says they have already been tested outside schools in Worcester. He has funded 40 to be used in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, North Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
The new signs will be loaned to schools that have long suffered with speeding or parking problems.
Mr Campion said: “I hope that these ‘mini officers’ will remind motorists to be more considerate outside schools. All too often people don’t respect the speed limits or think about where they are parking. By using these signs in a sporadic way, we hope they will be even more effective.”
The Shrewsbury Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Saf Ali said: “We’re really grateful to the PCC for our new ‘mini police’ recruits. The signs will hopefully remind motorists as they drive past schools to be mindful of their driving and also to park considerately and not cause an obstruction on the road.
“Oak Meadow Primary along with St Lucia’s Primary in Upton Magna are the first to receive our new ‘recruits’. We will then have them on a rota visiting primary schools throughout the town for a period of time.”
The rural school of St Lucia's has its share of problems with people parking too close to junctions and half on pavements when dropping children off and picking them up from school.
Head at St Lucia's Sarah Woolley, said: "We are very pleased to be involved with the project. Like many schools we have our problems with people parking inconsiderately."
