Drivers 'putting children at risk'

Officers stop cars outside schools during morning and evening rush hours

Police have introduced a zero tolerance policy against motorists putting children at risk, as part of a school road safety campaign.

Department for Transport figures showed 1,300 children were killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents in Kent and East Sussex last year.

Checks are now being carried out near schools in Dover during morning and evening rush hours.

In one check, a 14-year-old girl was caught without a seatbelt, sitting in the front passenger seat next to her father who was driving the car.

Sergeant Guy Thompson, of Kent Police, said: "The problems we highlighted were mainly to do with seatbelts and children not wearing their seatbelt correctly, or even not wearing them at all.

"The other problem we noticed was the number of children in a car - one car had four children in the back, when there were only enough seatbelts for three."

I put on my brakes to stop and fell off my bike on to the car Stacey Rye

But children have also been hit by cars outside the school gates.

Crash victim Stacey Rye said: "My friend called out that there was a car coming. I put on my brakes to stop and I fell off my bike on to the car."

Parents have welcomed the campaign saying children should be aware of hazards on the roads and motorists should avoid parking in zigzagged areas outside schools.

Operation Quinine is being run by Kent Police, Kent County Council and Dover District Council.

After an initial educational phase, action will be taken instantly against drivers flouting regulations or legislation, police said.

Kent Police say trial schemes are also taking place in Ashford and Gravesend and the campaign could be extended across the county.