Camera installed near B1078 Hacheston to Wickham Market road

Guy Hayward created the yellow box on a grey pole in the grounds of Oliver Hayward Play Barn in Wickham Market because he was concerned about vehicles travelling in excess of the 30mph speed limit on the B1078, which runs passed the barn.

He said speeding drivers on the road, which links Lower Hacheston with Wickham Market, were endangering the safety of children visiting the barn when they were dropped off next to the road and horse riders who have to cross the road.

READ MORE: Wickham Market: Father’s tragedy inspires children’s play centre project

Guy Hayward, pictured in 2014, at the opening of the Oliver Hayward Play Barn (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)However, since the camera was installed at the end of last week, Mr Hayward said there had been a change in driver behaviour with motorists slowing down as they see the distinctive device, which overlooks the wall bordering the B1078.

"It is a bit of a light-hearted visual reminder, but it has 100% worked. Whatever people say, it has worked," he added.

The fake camera has attracted criticism online, especially after a photo was posted to social media site Facebook, with one poster saying he almost crashed into the back of the car in front after its driver had been distracted by the camera.

READ MORE: Opening of the Oliver Hayward Playbarn near Wickham Market was ‘special moment’

But Mr Hayward said: "The simple fact is that if people are complaining about it being dangerous because somebody might slam on the brakes in front of them, then clearly they are too close to the car in front of them and clearly going over 30mph as with the braking distance at that speed, you could stop comfortably."

Guy Hayward said drivers were speeding on the B1078, endangering children and horse riders (Image: Charlotte Bond)He said he had spoken to parish councils about the situation and a digital speed sign had been erected opposite the barn, but not all drivers paid attention and his camera had proven more effective.

However, he thought the camera 'would probably have to come down' because of the complaints, at which point he expected to see drivers speeding again.

Mr Hayward set up the play barn for local children in memory of his 15-month-old son Oliver, who died in his cot in 2001 and 28-day-old daughter Star, who died in similar circumstances in 2011.

Wickham Market Parish Council has recently started operating a Speed Indicator Device (SID) just north of the bridge over the River Deben in Lower Street, which aims to slow traffic travelling in to the village.

The council is aware of Mr Hayward's concerns about speeding motorists, but has not yet discussed the speed camera.

READ MORE: Oliver Hayward Playbarn to host evening of remembrance for lost loved ones

A Suffolk police spokesperson said: “Speed enforcement is carried-out in Suffolk on a daily basis through a variety of methods.

"The Safety Camera Team are deployed across the county seven days a week and conduct enforcement through a variety of speed vans and roadside cameras, as a road safety measure at sites where evidence indicates there are road safety concerns relating to speeding.

“In addition to this, police officers also conduct frequent speed checks and there are average speed cameras on the A14 Orwell Bridge and A12 towards Essex and fixed cameras on the A12 and A140.  

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

"There are also dozens of Community Speed Watch Teams across Suffolk, where volunteers come together to conduct speed checks in their neighbourhood and help to improve road safety.

“The constabulary takes every opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding – which is one of the ‘Fatal 4’ main causes of fatal or serious injury collisions.

"There are national campaigns throughout the year which we always support and other local initiatives that we also promote.”

The Suffolk Safety Camera Team, along with representatives of Hacheston and Wickham Market Parish Councils, have been approached for comment. 

READ MORE: Suffolk news