MORE than 30 drivers were caught speeding past a school in just three hours as part of a student experiment.

As part of the exercise, the group of Year 11 pupils from West Craven High Technology College, in Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick joined forces with the fire, police and ambulances services.

Any drivers found passing the school at speeds exceeding the 30mph speed limit were invited to listen to the authorities about the consequences of excessive speeds and were subsequently interviewed by the students.

The 15 and 16-year-old pupils, hailed the exercise a success, but were surprised by the results.

Nicole Haigh said: “The response has been good. Most people had no reason to be driving over the speed limit but we had two people who admitted to doing it because they were late for hair appointments.”

Her classmate Amie Tarn added: “We thought that the people we would be talking to would be in their 20s but we’ve found most to be in their 40s.”

Malcolm Nuttall, an ambulance service driving instructor, said if a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle at 30mph they have an 80 per cent chance of survival, but if they are hit by a vehicle travelling at 40mph there is an 80 per cent chance they will be killed.

Another of the Year 11 pupils Amy Day, said: “We’ve had a positive effect and most people seemed to learn something.”

Her fellow student Emily Birkett, added: “When we learn to drive we will be more conscious of our speed as we don’t want to be responsible for any accidents.”

Officials from each of the emergency services, said they were happy to be working in partnership to educate the public.

PC Mark Hyde, community beat manager for Craven, said: “The police monitor and try to keep speeding down using enforcement, engineering, such as speed humps and education.

“On this occasion we have been attempting to educate the motorists about the dangers and consequences of using inappropriate speed.”

Jeninor Bell, fire service liaison officer, added: “This event makes people aware of what effect speeding can have.

“Deaths caused through speeding have an effect that sends ripples through a community and today we found that most people were locals who should know where schools are located and the dangers involved.”