Edith Weston: Lollipop dinosaur aims to thwart speeding drivers

Drivers have been clocked driving over 70mph on a 30mph road near a village primary school

BBC Eight foot purple dinosaur on patrol helping children cross a road in Edith Weston, Rutland — Drivers have been clocked driving over 70mph on a 30mph road near a village primary school

A purple lollipop dinosaur has been on patrol near a village primary school to help crack down on speeding drivers.

A parent, who wants to remain anonymous, has donned the 8ft (2.5m) T-Rex disguise after drivers near Edith Weston Academy in Rutland, were clocked speeding at 70mph on 30mph Manton Road.

The school said it was "lucky" that somebody had the "imagination and determination" to keep children safe.

The council said a speeding measure was due to be installed next month.

The dinosaur-clad father arrives with a lollipop during school drop-off and pick-up times in the day to help children safely cross the road.

Broken sign

"There are a lot of speeding cars going along Manton Road," he said.

"The village has been involved in a community speed watch scheme and clocked people doing over 70mph, when it's a 30mph road.

"It's a route to school. So that's very dangerous on a road with a narrow footpath for children to walk along and cycle their bikes and scooters."

He said he hoped his unusual presence would remind drivers not to speed.

Audrey said she was "thankful that someone was trying to keep us safe"

Eight foot purple dinosaur on patrol helping children cross a road in Edith Weston, Rutland — Audrey said she was "thankful that someone was trying to keep us safe"

Ten-year-old Sophia said: "The dinosaur has red eyes, a stop sign and it has some scratches and dots. It's making sure people go at 30 miles an hour."

Another child, Audrey, said: "I was shocked at first to see the dinosaur, but I was thankful that someone was trying to keep us safe."

Head teacher Penny Rawlings said: "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be interacting fairly regularly with a giant dinosaur.

"How lucky are we that we have got somebody, who's got the imagination and determination.

"I know this dinosaur has taken time off work to come and support the cause.

"It's wonderful."

She said a sign warning drivers they were over the speed limit had been "broken for a long time".

"It still doesn't flash when people are speeding and it's so important," she said.

Rutland County Council provided volunteers to monitor traffic and record the details of speeding vehicles

Rutland County Council Person holding a speed camera — Rutland County Council provided volunteers to monitor traffic and record the details of speeding vehicles

The village recently took part in a community speed watch scheme that allowed volunteers to monitor traffic and speeding vehicles.

Rutland County Council said Leicestershire Police issued more than 750 warning letters to speeding motorists across Edith Weston, Uppingham, South Luffenham, Caldecott, and Ashwell.

Christine Wise, portfolio holder for highways, transport and environment at the county council, said: "An assessment was carried out which led to an integrated transport safety scheme to install a road traffic island chicane with priority system signage on the main Manton Road near the junction of Weston Road.

"This work aims to reduce speeds and is due to commence mid-December."

She said the speed indication sign would be replaced before the end of March 2024.

The local authority said it was also carrying out speed awareness initiatives in schools and holding road safety events aimed at "educating drivers on the risks of speeding".