The so-called lollipop man ordered to quit high-fiving with kids

One lollipop man complained that he was informed that he is no longer allowed to high-five children as kids cross the road since it disrupts traffic. The 57-year-old, Neil Cotton, of Howden, East Yorkshire, has been a school crossing patrol officer there during the last two years. During one of his social media posts, he claimed that he was no longer able to high five the kids, as it makes some drivers unhappy because they now have to wait an additional 10 seconds. According to what East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it was essential the children be taught to cross the road in a safe way, free of any distractions.Mr Cotton assists the children of the infant, junior and secondary schools in Howden to cross the road and they call it the Cross Keys Corner. Before deleting his Facebook post, it had well over 100 comments on it.

It brings a smile in the face of the kids. My son does so constantly. However, now he is angry since he is not permitted to do so." Theresa Holt, another parent said: It is ridiculous. It literally takes seconds and it brings a little bit of happiness in that child. He treats my small son very well, and he recognizes him as a familiar person."

'It's absurd'

Toe-in is called by the driver Tony Brooke a "movement of rules gone mad". "It's absurd. That is to just high five them, and I do not see something wrong with this at all, he replied. He will be stopping the traffic to allow the children across so I would not have expected at all it would have increased the time taken on the roads by other people. It's crazy."Michael Dalton who is another driver chimed in by saying, I think it is overall a bit OTT to be honest. To put it a mite PC [political correctness] it is the craziness again. We (as drivers) simply must be a little nicer, at school times especially."Suzi, East Riding of Yorkshire Council stated: "Learning to cross the road safely, keeping their minds focused with no distractions, walking and paying utmost attention toward the traffic is of paramount importance."In this case, one of of our officers has actually talked to this crossing patrol and he/she has simply reminded them not to be distracted when children are crossing.We are, however, sure that they will keep on doing a wonderful job and are highly appreciated.