Pierre Lacasse, hired by the city of Montreal to be its first traffic co-ordinator just this spring, is no longer a municipal employee, Radio-Canada has learned.

Lacasse was appointed to the role by Mayor Denis Coderre, in order to better co-ordinate roadwork and ease the frustration and traffic woes faced by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. He was also to be a spokesperson for the city on traffic matters.

Lacasse, who worked as a radio traffic reporter for 28 years, signed a $100,000 contract with the city at the end of April. At the time, Coderre nicknamed him "Mr. Fluidity" and touted the importance of his role.

When reached by phone, Lacasse told Radio-Canada that it "didn't work out." He did not elaborate, nor did he go into any details about how the job ended, saying only that "it was a cancellable contract."

The news comes just weeks before the Formula E electric vehicles race that will paralyze part of downtown Montreal for three days over the July 29-30 weekend.

Lacasse's appointment wasn't universally applauded inside city hall: many saw it as a public relations stunt by Coderre rather than a real solution to the city's traffic woes.

Lacasse told The Canadian Press in May that he knew he would be a "punching bag" for frustrated journalists and residents.