I have been asked by a friend of mine to invest in and help a new start up business in the UK. Basically they make wooden life size decoy police cars. These are then sold to local councils where they are placed on the side of the road near accident black spots. The idea is to make motorist slow down when they see the "Police car". These can be placed near schools or even near to crime spot areas. Is it something that could work out or not? I'm really not too sure.
Fallow your feelings, along with some math. We have some of that fake stuff here in the US, and most Police don't use it. Your talking about selling a couple of them things to the Police and how many of them will they need in the entire UK? Even in the US I would not think I would get my money returned. Go find some data on the number of Police departments in the UK, assume that 1% or less will buy them within the next 5 years, you can build your J-curve from that.
To be honest, it sounds like one of the daftest ideas I've ever heard. And wooden? Wow! they'll make a lovely bonfire!
Honestly, it sounds like the type of thing that, if I was younger, I'd go out and steal at night and put in my backyard to show off to my friends until I figure out what to do with it All there is to it is wood and paint, plus labor costs. As to how successful this idea sounds... I don't know. I wouldn't go through with it until I saw some research data first.
I can tell you that if I saw a wooden police car next to the pavement on a busy A road, I'd crash my car through the laughter. I can also tell you that they'd be covered in graffiti within about 5 minutes of being placed there.
Im not sure if your are serious or not but it sounds like such a short term prospect. Most people are not stupid and will soon find a way to id the fake cars from the real, like i dont know walking past it and having a closer look........ Dont know about overthere but here in OZ we have termites that would soon have field day eating wood into pieces = termite plague. I have never seen a police car with parts missin and getting eaten LOL How do they go in rain and snow - wood is normally not that good for that even if they have some water proof coating on it.... How do you move a fake car make of wood into position with out the use of a crane or a whole heap of people lifting it in to place at the location - sure giveaway to locals its a fake LOL In OZ we use speed cameras which either deter speeding drivers or burn a hole in their pocket You need to have a real good think about this before getn involved or anyone spends money.
I would say check with the local councils and police for their opinions. I think it is a really bad idea FWIW! A better idea is those slow down signs that flash if you go too fast, or speed cameras, or a real policeman!