The appearance of the figures is unusual enough to make some motorists look twice (Representational photo)
Because of the work involved in making it, its disappearance upset the group, particularly.
However, Badham said some motorists continue to travel too fast despite the warning. Badham said the figure had apparently been stolen during a short period in the morning. “This is a piece of village heritage, and it’s just been taken by somebody,” she told the BBC.
A group of villagers in England has spent four months making something they hope will persuade speeding motorists to slow down: life-sized knitted traffic officers and fake speed cameras. The unusual road safety campaign began after numerous accidents were recorded at a junction in Fillongley, Warwickshire, over four years. Since the handmade figures were installed last week, residents say they have noticed some drivers braking after mistaking them for real traffic enforcement equipment. Their work has appeared at several locations around Fillongley. Alongside the imitation traffic officers and speed cameras are knitted children carrying road safety messages and zebras placed above crossing signs. One figure, dressed in a Royal Air Force (RAF) uniform and a high-visibility vest, was also positioned beside the road holding a knitted speed gun. The village already has a flashing 30mph speed limit sign. By making figures resembling officers monitoring traffic, they hoped to make approaching drivers more conscious of their speed. The group is considering making a replacement and reporting the matter to police. Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has also recognised the seriousness of the problem, identifying Fillongley as one of the county’s collision hotspots.