Fed up road workers are hitting back at speeding motorists with their own version of policing the roads to slow cars down.
The novel approach by roading construction company Fulton Hogan takes advantage of people's reactions to police cars.
The company has made life size cut-outs of the cars and has strategically placed them where they have maximum impact.
"They see the word 'police', they look at the speedo and say 'hang on a minute'," says Fulton Hogan spokesperson Mike Gibney.
The cut-outs have only been trialled for one week but radar tests at work sites where the cut-outs appear show a marked decrease in traffic speed.
Police are pleased with the idea saying they support moves to assist in road safety.
And there is a warning to motorists complacent over the fake cars.
"Next time they go through they might find the patrol car door opening and a policeman getting out," says Senior Sergeant Eric Davy.
Fulton Hogan says it plans to make the cut outs available for
schools and possibly hospitals.
