Overview

• Neil Cotton, 57, was instructed on June 18 to cease giving high-fives at the Cross Keys Corner crossing in Howden.
• An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson warned that any distraction could undermine pupils’ ability to learn safe road-crossing habits and create hold-ups.
• Many parents and local residents praised Cotton’s upbeat gestures as a way to engage pupils and boost their confidence at the crossing.
• Some drivers and community members countered that the extra seconds added by high-fives at the busy junction cause frustration and potential traffic risks.
• The council affirmed its appreciation for school crossing patrols’ community role while stressing uninterrupted attention to child safety