These "creepy" bollards shaped like children have been designed outside a school in the desperate hope to make drivers slow down.
Some drivers have even admitted they thought the bollards were in fact kids and so took more care as a result.
But a minority of residents in Sneinton, Nottingham, have labelled the statues as "freaky" and "scary".
Bader Munir, who works at St Stephen's Church of England school on the road, told Nottinghamshire Live the measure is "brilliant".
"The children love them," the 41-year-old man said today.
"They are very useful. I do not find them creepy. I think if they were not here people would park here more often. So that puts them off.
"I think we need them outside every school in Nottingham."
Robert Stone, 58, was fooled by the bollards when he drove along the suburban street last week.
The motorist said: "I really thought they were children.
"I was shocked at first. So I think it is a very good idea.
"I think they could make them look more lifelike. They are a bit creepy."
His reservations were echoed by others, writing online on a residents group for the area.
"These are frightening," one woman said.
Another stated: "They proper freak me out."
A third shared: "They scare me to death. Imagine driving up there at night and seeing them for the first time."
But Ankit and Shilpi Jain, tourists visiting Nottingham, praised the idea.
Dad-of-one Mr Jain, 37, said: "It is an amazing idea.
"It makes people more cautious while driving. And they become more aware."
