A retired prison officer has devised an ingenious garden fence that appears ordinary but conceals tiny spikes designed to deflate tyres when vehicles mount the verge. Kevin Pringle, 64, from Milton Keynes, patented the device after growing frustrated with cars repeatedly churning up his lawn, leaving muddy trenches in the quiet cul-de-sac where he lives.
How the Smart Fence Works
The fence, costing around £40 for half a metre, is installed on a four-foot-wide section of his front garden. Hidden spikes are activated when a car hits the barrier, slowly deflating the tyres in a manner similar to police stingers. The plastic casing covers the spikes, which only become exposed when sufficient weight—such as that of a vehicle—breaks the perforated plastic. The fence can be lifted out for lawn maintenance, as only the base plate remains at ground level.
Inspiration and Development
Kevin said the quality of driving has deteriorated, with illegal parking becoming commonplace. He cited Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act, which makes it an offence to drive anywhere other than a designated carriageway. After searching for solutions and finding only suggestions like placing boulders—which complicate lawn care and are unattractive—he resolved to create a better answer. Over three years, he researched designs to ensure the spikes would not cause accidental harm, such as to a child on a bicycle. The spikes are protected by plastic that breaks only under the weight of a motor vehicle.
Potential Applications
Kevin believes the fence could be used by councils to prevent unauthorised traveller encampments on grassland or cricket pitches, as well as by estates, schools, and hotels. He noted that Milton Keynes Council has spent £250,000 over five years on barriers like concrete blocks or earth mounds, arguing his cheaper solution would be more effective. He tested the fence using an old Hyundai Getz to confirm its tyre-puncturing capability.
Legal Considerations
Kevin sought advice on liability, asserting that if someone commits criminal damage—such as tearing up a garden—and damages their vehicle in the process, it is their own responsibility. A Milton Keynes Council spokesperson stated that items cannot be placed on public highway land without proper authorisation and safety measures. Kevin hopes his prototype will be widely adopted to protect homeowners from bad drivers who flee the scene.
