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BC RCMP are deploying ‘Constable Scarecrow’ to scare speeders

Scarecrows are most commonly found in the large cornfields of the Fraser Valley, however, Coquitlam RCMP are taking the technique to the region’s concrete highways.

Police will be deploying “Constable Scarecrow” as part of a new pilot project aimed at curbing speeding motorists on the roads of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

<who> Photo Credit: BC RCMP.

In actuality, the "scarecrow" is a life-sized, metal poster-board cutout of a police officer that comes equipped with a laser speed-reader.

"We’ve seen this sort of idea used before in the United Kingdom, but we haven’t seen it used here in combination with scientific monitoring," said Sergeant Quentin Frewing with Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Section.

"We think it could work, and it’s a low-cost, good-humoured way to improve our presence and perhaps make people think twice about speeding."

The new officer won't be handing out any actual speeding tickets, but police do plan on using the decoy for more than just a scare tactic.

"Constable Scarecrow doesn’t write tickets of course, but drivers should be aware that real Mounties, and our Speed Watch volunteers, might be right around the corner waiting to help out," says Sergeant Frewing.

"The real goal here is to keep speeds down and keep our roads safe. That’s the sort of result that would make Constable Scarecrow sleep well at night- if he needed any sleep."

In B.C., ticket fines increase the further over the speed limit you drive.

Those caught doing 20km/hr over the speed limit on a highway, could be subject to a $138 ticket, while those caught doing more than 40km/hr are subject to a $368 ticket.

In a school, playground or construction zone, the fines range from $196 to $483.



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