Scottish Town Tackles Speeders with Blow Dryers

Mimicking traffic cops, local townsfolk have resorted to speed checking passing cars with blow dryers.

1 minute read

February 27, 2017, 11:00 AM PST

By jwilliams @jwillia22


Speed Limit

Michael Coghlan / Flickr

Residents of the town of Hopeman in Scotland have taken to the streets with blow dryers to scare potential speeders into slowing down. As the BBC reports, the residents dressed in reflective vests and holding blow dryers, which conveniently resemble radar guns, are trying to slow drivers who have been speeding through the town.

Residents of Hopeman fear someone could be seriously injured or killed by speeding drivers.

It follows concern about cars reaching speeds of up to 60mph as they travel through the area. There is a long straight leading out of the village.

Scottish police tell the BBC that they are aware of the situation and are continuing to address the speeding issue.

Thursday, February 23, 2017 in BBC

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic Place Names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

2 hours ago - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight