A much-loved lollipop man has been banned from high-fiving schoolchildren as they cross the road – because council officials claim it causes traffic delays and poses a health and safety risk.
Neil Cotton, 57, has spent the last two years brightening up the school run in the East Yorkshire town of Howden with his cheerful attitude and signature high fives.
But the school crossing patrol officer has now been told by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to stop the friendly gesture at once – because it’s seen as a ‘distraction’ and could make children forget how to cross the road safely.
The stunned lollipop man took to social media to share the bizarre order, telling parents and supporters: ‘I have been instructed that I can no longer high-five children any more whilst crossing the road.
‘This is because it upsets some drivers having to wait another 10 seconds.’
The junction, locally known as Cross Keys Corner, sees children from infant, junior and secondary schools cross the road daily and for many, Neil’s high fives have become a happy part of the morning routine.
But now council killjoys have stepped in, saying children should be focused ‘without any distractions’.
The post, which has since been removed, sparked outrage from local parents with many branding the decision ‘absurd’ and ‘ridiculous’.
Mother-of-one Kirsty Wilcox told BBC Look North: ‘I think it’s wrong. Why shouldn’t he, what’s wrong with it?
‘It puts a smile on the kids’ faces. My son does it all the time. But now he gets upset because he’s not allowed to do it.’
Fellow parent Theresa Holt said: ‘It’s silly. It takes literally seconds and it gives that child that little bit of happiness. He’s great with my little boy and he sees him as a friendly face.’
Even drivers weighed in on the row – with many defending Mr Cotton and blasting the council’s ‘over-the-top’ approach.
Tony Brooke said: ‘It’s absurd. Just to high five to them, I don’t see there’s a problem with that.
‘He’s going to hold the traffic up to let the kids across so I wouldn’t have thought it would add any more time to people’s journeys at all. It’s crazy.’
Another motorist, Michael Dalton, added: ‘I think it’s a bit OTT to be honest. It’s a bit PC [political correctness] going crazy again. As a driver, we need to be a bit more courteous, certainly at school times.’
In a statement, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: ‘It is vitally important that children learn to cross the road safely, concentrating without any distractions, walking carefully and being vigilant of the traffic.
‘In this particular case, one of our officers spoke with this crossing patrol and simply reminded them of the need not to have distractions while children are crossing.
‘However, we are confident they will continue doing a fantastic job and they are much appreciated.’
Mr Cotton also revealed he has been told not to help guide larger vehicles around the junction because of fears the council could face legal action if there was an accident.
