SPEEDING motorists were confronted with their failings by primary school children during a police road safety operation.

Pupils at Epping Upland Primary School, in Carters Lane, Epping Green, were given the opportunity to grill drivers caught breaking the law and pulled no punches with questions including “How would you tell my parents that you'd killed me?”

Road policing officer PC Duncan Stableford, who headed the operation, said: “It's unbelievable to be quite frank. The children are very, very direct in their questions in a manner we can never have. We can point out the law but when you get the child's point of view asking 'How would you feel if you killed me?' it really brings it home to them. It really does have a massive impact.”

Fifteen motorists were stopped on the day with all electing to receive a talk down from the children than face a penalty notice.

Mr Stableford said: “They think it's going to be an easy option but the the feedback we get is in reality that's not the case.”

One motorist was given a fixed penalty speeding fine after they were caught driving at 45mph in a 30mph zone.

As well as talking to the drivers and getting to use the speed gun, the pupils were also given a road safety lesson on how to gauge car speeds and stopping distances.

The school has been plagued by speeding motorists for some time, and welcomed the police initiative which was carried out with the help of Epping Forest District Council.

Deputy head Cathy Newland said: “Epping Green is a small village but people roar through it not realising or caring that children are crossing the road. I'm surprised there's not been an accident.

“I thought the day was brilliant. The children got a lot out of it because they saw the consequences of the people stopped by the police.

“A lot of the drivers seemed genuinely ashamed and concerned by the children”