Traffic Quackdown

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Drivers have been driven quackers in Austria after police abandoned their speed cameras when dozens of ducks released into an accident black spot did a better job of slowing down traffic than they did.

The ducks were originally introduced to a river in Grossmeiseldorf to tackle weeds choking the water way.

But as the 50 birds walked to and from the stream, locals noticed that speeding motorists were forced to slow down for them.

Duck wrangler Josef Fischer explained: "They are a real help to the police, who don?t have to use their speed cameras now."

"The ducks have reduced the average car speed by seven kph, which is better than the police ever managed to reach," he added.

But feathers are flying with animal rights protesters who say seven of the birds have died after being hit by cars.

"It's a pity but accidents happen any nobody suspects foul play," said one local.

source