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BIRD-BRAINED SPEEDERS

Drivers in Devon fooled by BIRD BOX disguised as yellow speeding camera

Motorists in Kilkhampton, Devon are slowing down to avoid being caught speeding by a camera fitted behind a hedge - but it's not all it seems

DRIVERS are being tricked by a fake speed camera, which is actually a well disguised bird box.

The grey and yellow box is located just behind a hedge near a main road in Kilkhampton, Devon.

 The bird box camera has perches for six flying residents
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The bird box camera has perches for six flying residentsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

To the passing motorist, it looks just like a genuine Gatso speed camera, actually causing drivers to slow down.

But on closer inspection, it becomes obvious a series of holes and perches have been fitted instead of a lens.

Tara Coshall spotted the unusual bird box and shared a photo online - but so far no one has come forward and claimed responsibility for erecting the phony camera.

Tara said: "As I was driving through Kilkhampton on my to Bude I came across a new speed camera or so I thought.

 Drivers are actually slowing down as they think the camera is real
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Drivers are actually slowing down as they think the camera is realCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 It boasts a striking resemblance to the real Gatsometer fixed speed camera
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It boasts a striking resemblance to the real Gatsometer fixed speed cameraCredit: Alamy

"On a closer look it's really a bird box."

The fake camera has gathered a lot of support from locals who think it's a great way to combat speeding.

One person said: "This went up a couple of years ago by the side of the road. It looked really authentic and my god did it slow people down."

Another said: "I think it was originally for an April fool a couple of years back and it certainly worked."

Another person said: "It's actually more effective than the speed sign further down the road that warns the car behind the one speeding through the village, obviously the sensor needs adjustment."

Early last year, a mother used a wooden plank and a deodorant lid to create a fake speed camera to keep dangerous drivers out of her village. 

And a crafty home owner made their own phony camera out of a beer mat and drain pipe.

One man was even ordered to tear down fake cameras built outside his house near the A1.