Ananova:

Little green women on traffic lights in Germany are a success with motorists and pedestrians.

The trend began in a town in Saxony last year where the female figure in a short skirt and with long hair was introduced at various traffic lights.

The designers claimed the female figure was a safer alternative to the classic male design.

Joachim Rossberg, head of Ildenfelser Signaltechnik, which produces the traffic lights, said: "Pedestrians simply notice her more often." He said that her curvy body allows more light to shine through.

Traffic authorities that gave the project the go-ahead have now approved them across Germany and the female traffic lights also appear in neighbouring countries.

Dutch towns including Amersfoort and Utrecht are featuring the little green woman who they have named Sophie.

A Utrecht transport official said: "Every time there's a new pedestrian crossing light in Utrecht or an old one is replaced, then Sophie will take over, though a complete saturation by little green women will take years."