As a traffic calming measure, they certainly worked - but then, so too would tank traps.

But now the much-ridiculed planters on Strang Road, Union Mills, have been removed - much to the relief of motorists, no doubt, although not perhaps residents.

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.

At the beginning of the week before last, the planters were taken away, highways chiefs saying they had ’assessed a range of factors’ - although they were adamant they had been effective in slowing traffic.

The planters have been replaced with more traditional traffic calming measures.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ’The introduction of the planters on Strang Road proved effective in terms of achieving the stated aim of slowing traffic on what is a busy route.

’The DoI has continued to monitor vehicle speeds and the performance of the traffic calming measures. Residents were also invited to provide feedback.

’After assessing a range of factors, the department has removed the planters in favour of fixed traffic calming around the entrance to the Ballanawin Estate and parking restrictions on the road.’

Justifying the use of the planters last year, highway chiefs said there has been virtually no compliance with the 20mph speed limit on Strang Road and traffic surveys carried out in 2014 and in 2015 demonstrated that more than 13,000 drivers per week were exceeding the limit.

Some were recorded at speeds in excess of 87mph - and up 99mph.

Residents complained that the problem with speeding traffic came about when the road was resurfaced and speed bumps removed - although the DoI said the speed bumps previously in place had a ’limited effect on speeds’.

Howard Quayle, speaking as Middle MHK rather than Chief Minister, said at the time that he didn’t support the controversial planters and would ask for them to be removed if they proved not to work.

In February this year, one of the planters on Strang Road was knocked over in a collision.

The planters in St Mark’s, however, are still in place.