By Canadian Press

Spooking speeders: Prairie city latest to use police cut-outs on busy roads

May 16, 2019 | 11:49 AM

LLOYDMINSTER, Alta. — Some new scarecrows are popping up on the Prairies, but these aren’t meant for bluffing birds.

Life-size metal cut-outs of uniformed Mounties are being placed next to busy roads and intersections in Lloydminster, a city straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary.

The city says the fake officers are part of a pilot “scarecrow initiative” aimed at discouraging speeders.

It’s modelled on a similar project that started last year in Coquitlam, B.C.

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

12h ago

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

Nov 16, 2024

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

Nov 16, 2024

RCMP in that community said that within six months of introducing their police scarecrows, the number of drivers caught speeding by more than 10 km/h decreased by half.

Glenn Alford with the City of Lloydminster says each cut-out costs about $325 — a fraction of what it would cost to have a real officer monitor the locations.

“The new recruits aren’t much for conversation, but they have proven highly effective in their duties with other municipalities,” he said.

“We expect this program will have positive results here in Lloydminster.”

The Canadian Press