The road builders ASCON are employing two tailors' dummies dressed as road workers (above) to slow down traffic on the N11 from Dublin to Arklow. ASCON says they are as effective as real construction workers and cost less, at £4,000 each.

The idea is to slow down traffic before it encounters the human flag wavers further on.

One of ASCON's management saw the dummies being used widely on roads in France and placed a call with M&E, who supply all road signs and safety equipment to the Republic's local authorities.

Mr Eamon McKernan, chief executive of M&E, had to make 40 calls before he found the French firm which manufactures them. He has not had any further enquiries for the dummies, but with ASCON one of the busiest road builders in the State, their use is expected to rise.

Every one is powered by a 12-volt battery, mounted on a three-foot metal scaffold and waves 24-hours a day.