Village uses ducks to stop speeding

Postmistress Ann Martin, 63, from Portesham, Dorset, has recruited a 'quack' squad after she noticed motorists driving more carefully when the birds were around.

The grandmother trained the ducks to appear at the side of the road during the morning and afternoon rush hours. As soon as motorists see the birds, they hit the brakes to avoid running them over.



The flock, which includes 20 ducks and four geese, even braves crossing the road to get to the post office to be fed. Mrs Martin said: 'Drivers use the village as a rat-run – it's like the M1 here at rush hour. The sight of ducks seems to be the only thing that gets them to slow down.'

Local councillor Tommy Bartlett said: 'It's true, the ducks and geese slow down the cars. The geese sometimes stop in the middle of the road. That certainly puts a stop to the rush.'