Lollipop man resigns over council complaints at high-fiving

Lollipop man, Bob Slade, from Plymouth has resigned after being threatened with suspension for high-fiving children as he helped them cross the road.

lollipop

by Closer staff |
Published on

Mr Slade turned out in all weathers to help children safely cross the road to school.

Plymouth council have said that the lollipop man should have his arm held straight out to stop cars as he helps children cross the road rather than high-fiving the youngsters.

‘while patrols can be friendly, their full attention must be on the road and they must watch the traffic closely at all times.’

Plymouth Council continued in their statement: ‘ while patrols can be friendly, their full attention must be on the road and they must watch the traffic closely at all times.’

Bob Slade’s employers told him he would be suspended for 4 weeks following safety concerns over his friendly interactions with the children he helped across the road. Mr Slade chose to resign as a result of the threatened suspension.

Lollipop men and women are responsible for helping school children across the UK
Lollipop men and women are responsible for helping school children across the UK

This is not the first time high-fives have caused road safety worries. Earlier this year, Roger Green from Berkshire was ordered to stop the friendly gesture after his local council expressed concern.

In 2008, lollipop man Roy Vallance was sacked after dressing up as Santa whilst on duty.

The now former lollipop man said ‘I have been doing it for 4 years without an accident.’

Mr Slade's resignation has now left the school without a trustworthy crossing patrol.

Parents at Manadon Vale Primary School were not aware of the council’s safety concerns and have shown support of their former lollipop man in light of Bob’s resignation.

One parent said: ‘to my knowledge, not a single parent had expressed any concern over Mr Slade’s actions, which amounted to nothing more than the children patting his outstretched hand as they walked past him.’

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