It was supposed to be a light-hearted way to tackle vehicles that speed through a village.
But critics say that far from boosting road safety, the mannequin Julia Askew puts outside her home alongside a sign warning of the 30mph limit is a distraction to passing drivers – because her outfits are ‘too sexy’.
The dummy, which is often also seen holding a black and white sign reminding motorists to slow down, stands on a verge at the entrance to the village of Aston Ingham, Herefordshire, 24 hours a day.
It was supposed to be a light-hearted way to tackle vehicles that speed through a village – but critics say Betty the mannequin is distracting drivers
Julia Askew puts outside her home alongside a sign warning of the 30mph limit is a distraction to passing drivers – because her outfits are ‘too sexy’
Recently, the mannequin, which Mrs Askew calls Betty, has worn short skirts paired with heels, tennis gear and low-cut tops.
On one occasion Betty was seen holding a bottle of wine. Another time she was clutching a champagne flute.
Mrs Askew, an IT consultant, said: ‘At first I just put up the sign, but then I thought it would be nice to have a bit of fun with it.
‘Initially I dressed her in a high-viz police jacket and that worked for a lot of people. But it is possible that these latest outfits get the most attention.
‘Where I live is the first bend after the 30mph sign, so people come round here really fast. There is no pavement and people are too scared to walk on the road it is that dangerous. They will jump in their car just to drive 50 yards.’
Mrs Askew, an IT consultant, said: ‘At first I just put up the sign, but then I thought it would be nice to have a bit of fun with it’
Mrs Askew has set up a Facebook page for Betty, to keep villagers updated about her campaign against speeding on the B4221, which runs through Aston Ingham.
But some locals claim that the glamorous mannequin is increasing the danger rather than reducing it. Chrissy May, from Ross-on-Wye, wrote on Facebook that she had driven past the figure and found ‘it is distracting’. Leah Ives said: ‘Good idea until motorists are distracted and pay more attention to Betty than actually keeping eyes on the road!’
Others have given Betty their backing on her Facebook page. Maureen Osborne wrote: ‘Living on one of the blind bends of this village I have witnessed two very nasty accidents, one where a car came off the road and up my wall. Please support Betty before there is a fatal accident.’
Mrs Askew denies that her roadside model is a hazardous diversion. ‘People say it makes them smile but, more importantly, it does make them check their speed,’ she added.
Mrs Askew has set up a Facebook page for Betty, to keep villagers updated about her campaign against speeding on the B4221, which runs through Aston Ingham