The last measure to slow traffic down on this well-known rat run was branded a little potty.

Now the planters on Strang Road, Union Mills, have gone. And in their place have sprung up these bollards.

The bollards have been installed around the entrance to the Ballanawin estate. Parking restrictions have also been put in place.

The planters were described as an ’innovative approach’ to traffic calming when they were installed at the end of last year.

But incredulous motorists, including drivers of lorries and buses, were not impressed as they tried to squeeze past the chicane of obstacles jutting right into the road.

Highways chiefs were adamant they had been effective in slowing traffic.