Traffic scarecrow stops Sharjah drivers in their tracks
A robot portraying a labourer waves at pedestrians and motorists at a street corner in Sharjah
Sharjah: A robot portraying a labourer is waving non-stop at flabbergasted pedestrians and motorists at a street corner in Sharjah to alert them about on-going roadworks.
Known as the Flag Man, the smiling scarecrow can be seen waving ribbons in its right hand to bring attention to a closed parking lot undergoing renovation at Majaz Park, on the corner of Jamal Abdul Naser Street and Street 44.
However, the tireless worker has attracted far more attention than the parking makeover itself, with people posing for pictures with the battery-operated civil servant.
Giggling fit
Virtually every passer-by - on foot or behind the wheel - giggles upon encountering the Flag Man, wearing a "Safe Highways" sign around its neck, yellow hardhat and overalls, and a red-white reflector vest.
A motorist pulling out of the corner was stunned to see the Flag Man there and slowed down to get a better look.
Others said he can be "spooky" at night.
"Flag Man's doing a good job, it's the first time it's being used in Sharjah," said Jihad Abdul Salam, an engineer with the company behind the deployment, Safe Highways.
"It's there to minimise the risk to the real worker - by replacing him - in potentially dangerous situations. There's been a big response to the Flag Man, from workers and the community."
