A council has been slammed for the 'barmy' decision to install a bizarre stretch of 60 bollards outside a primary school. Residents claim the traffic calming measures are an 'unnecessary eyesore' and could actually prove more dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.
They were first put in place around 18 months ago, but a video shared on social media this week has got locals branding it a waste of money. And neighbours living nearby have also revealed how they were left just as confused by the decision to install three rows of 60 bollards - instead of just a fence.
The posts were put up along the A38 Bristol Road between Longbridge and Northfield, Birmingham. They are outside Meadows Primary School, which caters for around 700 children.
Mum-of-one Jessica Grant, 38, who lives nearby, said: "They popped up out of nowhere about 18 months ago and everyone was just a bit baffled. We're all for traffic safety around a primary school, but this just looks like a weird slalom of posts more suited to the Winter Olympics.
"A simple fence or some barriers along the side of the road would have done the job, but this is surely more expensive. It's an absolute eyesore too and if anything could prove more dangerous for cyclists or pedestrians trying to navigate it.
"Delivery drivers have also been unable to park up and I hear parents have had difficulties too. I've never seen anything like it anywhere else to be honest."
Another local, who did not wish to be named, added: "Serious questions have to be asked of the council. It's barmy. Who on earth thought this was a good idea?
"We have had problems with parking near the school, but this is an unnecessary eyesore and complete overkill by the council. The first row nearest the road I sort of understand but the rest of them are just weird."
Earlier, the World Bollard Association tweeted an image of some bollards outside a shop in Asia with the caption: "There’s no such thing as too many bollards."
One web user replied with footage of the Birmingham stretch and wrote: "The A38 between Longbridge & Northfield (Birmingham) would seem to agree."
One person commented: "Trees would serve same purpose and you know, look good while doing it."
Another added: "Ah, yet another local authority resorting to this ridiculous solution to much bigger infrastructure problems."
A third put: "For the love of god, and all that's holy. Why?"
Another person compared it to the Siegfried Line - Hitler's World War II defensive line which stretched 390 miles along the German border.
The council and school have been approached for a comment.
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