Dummy Cop

A garage owner fed up with speeding motorists on the road outside his business has turned to a "cut-out cop".

Robert Sargeant made the fake policeman with his six-year-old daughter to stand on a bend outside the garage on the A262 at Goudhurst, Kent.

He and publican Lou Lizzi, who have been keeping a record of road accidents in the village, say the dummy officer is slowing the traffic down.

"It is a brilliant idea - it has made a huge difference," said Mr Lizzi. "The amount of lorries and cars we have seen slowing down is incredible."

Mr Sargeant said the traffic had been getting worse over the years, with cars regularly crashing outside the garage, the pub and private homes. Last year there was a near head-on collision between two lorries.

Kent Police said they had no objection to the dummy but more formal arrangements may be in place soon to slow the traffic.

Residents are meeting Kent County Council highways officers on Monday to discuss the installation of an interactive sign on the A262.