Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Police Recruit Scarecrows to Tackle Speeding in Lancashire
Police in Lancashire are turning to scarecrows in an unusual community effort to slow speeding drivers around Clieves Hills.
Ormskirk and Rural West Lancashire Police have invited residents to construct brightly dressed roadside figures and accompanying “SLOW DOWN” signs. A public workshop will take place at Gorse Hill Nature Reserve Workshop on Holly Lane at noon on 29 August.
Local resident Steven has supplied straw, while Newland Timber in Ormskirk is providing timber. Volunteers are being asked to contribute clothing, cardboard, paint and their time. The completed scarecrows will be positioned at approved locations.
The plan has attracted online mockery, with critics questioning whether drivers will take straw police officers seriously. However, Lancashire already promotes community-led road-safety campaigns alongside conventional enforcement.
Scarecrows might initially startle motorists into lifting off the accelerator, although regular drivers may quickly recognise the deception. Still, if real officers are scarce, perhaps Clieves Hills will accept whatever reinforcements it can stuff.
Police Recruit Scarecrows to Tackle Speeding in Lancashire
Police in Lancashire are turning to scarecrows in an unusual community effort to slow speeding drivers around Clieves Hills.
Ormskirk and Rural West Lancashire Police have invited residents to construct brightly dressed roadside figures and accompanying “SLOW DOWN” signs. A public workshop will take place at Gorse Hill Nature Reserve Workshop on Holly Lane at noon on 29 August.
Local resident Steven has supplied straw, while Newland Timber in Ormskirk is providing timber. Volunteers are being asked to contribute clothing, cardboard, paint and their time. The completed scarecrows will be positioned at approved locations.
The plan has attracted online mockery, with critics questioning whether drivers will take straw police officers seriously. However, Lancashire already promotes community-led road-safety campaigns alongside conventional enforcement.
Scarecrows might initially startle motorists into lifting off the accelerator, although regular drivers may quickly recognise the deception. Still, if real officers are scarce, perhaps Clieves Hills will accept whatever reinforcements it can stuff.
