http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jh ... welf10.xml
Drivers cut speed for elf and safety
By Jaqui Goddard in Miami, Sunday Telegraph
Given the time of year, the sight of an elf at the roadside might ordinarily bring a smile to motorists' faces. When he is armed with a police badge and a speed-gun, it is a different matter.
Determined to find out who is naughty and who is nice in the lead-up to Christmas, officers in Orlando, Florida, are dressing up as Father Christmas's elves and staking out the highway to nab drivers exceeding the 45mph limit.
Uniforms have been cast aside in favour of green-and-red tunics, tights and hats as Operation Enforcing Limits and Fining speeders, or Elf for short, swings into action. Pointy ears and curly toed shoes are also a must.
Bearing a sign that reads "Help an Elf – Slow Down" and with a Christmas stocking dangling from his radar gun, deputy Richard Lockman of the Orange County Sheriff's Department clocked 149 speeders in the first three hours.
"I'm Santa's helper today, helping people to enjoy their Christmas without the tragedy of traffic crashes," he said, his pink felt ears wobbling precariously.
Mr Lockman was assisted by 20 motorcycle cops who lurked nearby, ready to pounce on offenders who registered excessive scores on the radar gun.
None of the 149 stops involved a one-horse open sleigh, police confirmed.
Some drivers complained that the tactics ran contrary to the spirit of the season. But the department's Ken Wyne said he hoped that the high-profile operation would improve safety.
"That's why we chose an elf: elves are known for their impish behaviour," he said.
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I think it's tragic. First they poison the dwarves, then the odd russian. Now it's the elves. What's next? Santa handing out parking tickets?
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complete with swag bag for the fines - highway robbery at speed gun point. 