Cadets join police officers to help slow down speeding drivers in Nottingham

Enthusiastic cadets teamed up with police officers to help tackle speeding drivers in Nottingham city centre.

The Nottinghamshire Police cadets, a group of young people aged between 11 and 18 who volunteer their time to support communities, participated in an afternoon of speed patrols on Monday (February 17).

They used a radar speed gun to monitor the traffic along Gregory Boulevard, where the speed limit was reduced to 20mph in March last year.

The operation was in response to concerns raised by local schools about speeding in the area and road safety.

Sergeant Vanessa Wake is Nottinghamshire Police’s engagement team lead for the cadets.

She said: “Cadets from across our six bases have done a great job taking part in this speed monitoring patrol – they worked effectively as a team and were keen to learn from officers.

“Motorists responded well to their presence and lowered their speeds. It was clear to see the cadets were having an impact and helping to keep Nottingham’s roads safer.

“Sessions like these have the combined benefit of helping to keep our communities safe, while equipping young people with important life skills around road safety in a safe, fun environment.”

The cadets first met at the Forest Recreation Ground for a briefing and to collect their high-visibility jackets, where they were joined by a PCSO, two schools and early intervention officers, and a cadet leader.

Working in pairs, the cadets took turns to aim the radar speed gun and record the speed of drivers outside a nearby school, close to a pedestrian crossing.

Dozens of vehicles were monitored in an afternoon that passed without incident.

Cadet Owen Cooling said: “I’ve enjoyed seeing how people react, especially when you point the speed gun – how their driving changes.

“It was quite hard to use the speed gun, but once you get it right it's really enjoyable.”

The cadets also took part in a road safety quiz and tested their knowledge of the fatal four driving offences that contribute to road traffic collisions – speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.

Volunteer Police Cadets are the nationally recognised police uniformed youth group in England and Wales.

In Nottinghamshire, junior cadet sessions are available to those at secondary school between Years 7 and 11, with senior cadet sessions available to those in Years 12 and 13.

The cadets are part of the force’s Prevention Hub, which is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.

Cadet leaders are made up of police officers, staff and civilian volunteers, who offer their time, skills and knowledge to operate the force’s six cadet bases by running weekly sessions during school term time to 148 young people across Nottinghamshire.

The purpose of the cadets is not to recruit future police officers, but to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship.