Lollipop man banned from using sign to thank drivers

A COUNCIL has banned a lollipop man from displaying a home-made sign thanking motorists who stop at his crossing.

Phil Boreham, 63, has been raising his sign to drivers as a gesture to show his appreciation after he has helped children cross Princes Avenue, Hull, one of the city’s busiest roads.

The four-inch round sign, made out of black card, is slipped on to his hand with string and bears a simple message: “Thank you.”

But after using the sign for months, Mr Boreham has fallen fall of council officials who have told him to stop as it may distract motorists.

Mr Boreham, who became a lollipop man last year after being made redundant from his job of 40 years, said: “When people have their windows up, they can’t hear me say thank you, so I decided to make a sign instead.

“It was just to show my appreciation and some common courtesy, which I think goes a long way.

“Now I will just have to put my hand up to them to say thanks.”

Mr Boreham has received almost universal support from the parents of the children he escorts.

Mark Paish, 35, who takes his son five-year-old son Luca over the crossing every day, said: “I thought the sign was a great idea. I can’t see why anyone should have anything against it.”

Another parent asked: “What kind of council do we have in this city that stamps on a little kind and thoughtful individualism?”

But Hull councillor Mike Ross said the authority had no choice.

“Unfortunately our hands are tied as it is actually illegal for crossing patrol staff to carry any signs other than their lollipop,” he said.

“This is due to the legal restriction on what can be carried, the fear being that they could cause a distraction for motorists.”