A first-of-its-kind road safety scheme in Ards and North Down has seen the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) team up with the PSNI and NI Road Policing Safety to host a pioneering 'Kids Court' at Clandeboye Primary School.

The pilot placed Primary 7 pupils at the heart of the process. After motorists were detected speeding near the school in the morning, they were offered a choice: accept penalty points and a fine, or attend the Kids Court to explain their actions before a panel of P7 pupils.

During the sessions, pupils set out the real-life consequences of speeding in school zones and the risks faced by children as vulnerable road users, aiming to encourage drivers to reflect on their behaviour in a restorative way.

Chair of Ards and North Down PCSP, Councillor Pete Wray, said: "The Kids Court is a fantastic concept and it's something I am very supportive of. We need to use every tool we can to get the message through to the public that they must slow down and take care on our roads. This is especially important in busy or built‑up areas, such as around schools.

Hearing directly from young people as potential victims will often have a greater impact than a fine or penalty points. I hope that those who met with the pupils as a result of their speeding will think twice before driving over the limit again.

Following the success of this event at Clandeboye Primary School, I hope to see the Kids Court rolled out across the Borough."

One P7 pupil, Ellie, said: "It was a very interactive morning. I hope all the adults caught were taught a lesson. I hope to be a police officer one day and help keep our roads safe."

P7 teacher Mrs Robinson also praised the initiative: "It was a great experience to have the PCSP and PSNI in the school this morning."

The Kids Court forms part of PCSP's ongoing commitment to improving road safety, reducing speeding, and promoting community-based approaches that place education and prevention at the heart of enforcement.