FAMILIES waging war on speeding drivers have a new ally - and he is a real chip off the old block.

Chip, a cut-out policeman, is helping to persuade motorists to curb their speed on a busy street.

Members of Woodhill Residents Group, Bishopbriggs, have been carting Chip in and out of Menteith Avenue to highlight the dangers of speeding.

The life-size cop, named after the American TV police show CHiPs and because he is made of chipboard - has helped to get more drivers to stick to the 30mph limit.

Donald Macdonald, chairman of the group, said: "We want drivers to slow so a real traffic policeman does not get the chance to book them.

"Chip has a fluorescent vest, so he can be spotted in the distance. He is certainly doing his job as almost every driver slows to take a look."

Mr Macdonald said residents had acted after a number of incidents in recent months, including one where a car ended up in a garden.

The idea for Chip came from an English village, where residents dressed a scarecrow as a policeman and found his appearance helped curb speeding motorists.

Mr Macdonald added: "We may need a Chip Mark II because in this weather we have to send him to dry out - being chipboard he gets soaking wet."

The group plans to extend his beat to other parts of the town by loaning him to residents on other roads affected by speeding drivers.

Mr Macdonald added: "If anyone thinks they could benefit from having Chip we would be glad to hand him out."