Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Child Limit Imposed On Muslims In Parts Of Myanmar
PHOTO: Virgin Mary Figure Appears With Child Battling Leukemia
No more garbage truck bears in London
Filed under: Health & Safety: Babies, Weird But True
It's not just a British thing -- I've seen a similar thing here in the states. I'm speaking of the practice of strapping a stuffed animal to the front of a garbage or tow truck. While I've seen it here, it's certainly not universal. In North London, however, it's apparently very common. Common enough that the local garbage collection company, Haringey Enterprise, has decided to ban the practice.In addition to being a bit silly (and not in a good, Monty Python kind of way), company executives have decided that the tied up teddies pose a safety hazard to the local children. It seems that children are prone to running out in front of massive garbage trucks and trying to rescue the critters. "Quite why adults would wish to decorate their vehicles this way is frankly beyond me," wrote Doug Taylor, Haringey general manager in an internal memo. "These items could attract children who may run into the road and suffer injury. On the grounds of health and safety and presenting a professional image of our company, I want all such decorations disposed of with immediate effect."
The binmen, as they're called over there, aren't going to give up their teddies without a fight, however. Union organizer Justin Bowden said the ban is "completely unjustified" and called it "absolutely crackers", adding that "Collecting refuse is a dirty, mundane and repetitive business. The lads like a mascot because it brightens up their day and gives the wagon a little bit of individuality."
One Member of Parliament, however, sees some humour in it all. "You have got to laugh. Haringey's streets are among the dirtiest in London," says Lynne Featherstone. "I wish the council would concentrate on improving its services rather than worrying about teddy bears." I'm not sure I really care about the teddies either; I'm just very happy our garbage gets picked up every week.
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris by JustinBieberVEVO 3 years ago 859,231,811 views
- Using a foreign governement company to defend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA alot of .gov huh
- If i own all or most of the property in dc think the mayor already knows. president and others including Embassies. on my property for 20 +years
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
How to Pack a Litterless Lunch
Have you ever stopped to consider how much garbage you throw away after you've eaten lunch? The single-serving yogurt container, cookie wrappers, and drinking box all end up in a garbage can. Why not try packing a litterless lunch for you and the kids tomorrow?
Flo Busnello, Recycling Queen for the City shares her advice on preparing a litterless lunch that will fill your tummy, while leaving your garbage can empty.
-
Garbage Disposal Dos And Don'ts
Home design expert Sherry Tyra discusses simple tips that keep a garbage disposal working properly for many years.
-
Rock Band 2: performance mode: I Think I'm Paranoid by Garbage
Jarr3tt88 Presents: Rock Band 2: performance mode: Expert drums I Think I'm Paranoid by Garbage
-
Get Free One-on-One Expert Tax Advice With TurboTax - Taxes Done Right
TurboTax — the #1-rated tax preparation software — just got even better with our free, one-on-one expert tax advice. TurboTax experts are knowledgeable, highly trained, US-based tax professionals, including CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and accountants. If you have a question, our tax experts are just a call or click away. http://turbotax.intuit.com/best-tax-software/why-choose-turbotax/free-tax-advice.jsp
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
6-09-2008 @ 4:47PM
Jenni said...The poor child who needs to run in front of a garbage truck to try and get that ratty teddy bear. Really, I don't see children doing that. I can also see the charm in a truck driver wanting a mascot; I see bikers with mascots on the back of their Harley's all the time.
Seems there are better things to argue about.
Reply
6-10-2008 @ 1:00AM
John Kendrew said...I think there is soem reason on both sides -- of course no-oen wants kids to rush to see or grab teh teddy adn be run down by a refuse lorry. on the other hand the bin men have a horrible life a deserve to lighten up when they can.
Why not get all their teddy bears their own blog at this new site I found and joined for cuddly creatures – he can join a log for free
PlushWeb
Then they can put their mascot's words on the web and the kids can read these blogs too
Reply