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England flags 'frightening horses'
Paul Lewis
Thursday June 1, 2006
Guardian
Motorists who attach England flags to their car windows ahead of the World Cup may wish to reconsider. According to police in Hampshire, dangerously executed displays of patriotism can scare wildlife, cause horses to bolt, and may result in criminal prosecution.
Officers at the force's wildlife crime office warned yesterday that the "loud flutter" generated by car window flags was startling horses and other wildlife, particularly in the New Forest area.
They also stressed that if flags became detached from vehicles they could turn into "plastic missiles hurtling though the air" which could cause serious injury.
Mark Perryman of the Englandfans supporters' club said: "If there is a serious health and safety issue it needs to be taken seriously. But I was at Old Trafford for England's last match and about 25% of the cars carried flags. I didn't see any of them flying off and blinding people."
In another development, Tesco last night lifted its ban on its delivery truck drivers displaying flags on their vehicles. The company changed its policy after pressure from staff and members of the public.
Paul Lewis
Thursday June 1, 2006
Guardian
Motorists who attach England flags to their car windows ahead of the World Cup may wish to reconsider. According to police in Hampshire, dangerously executed displays of patriotism can scare wildlife, cause horses to bolt, and may result in criminal prosecution.
Officers at the force's wildlife crime office warned yesterday that the "loud flutter" generated by car window flags was startling horses and other wildlife, particularly in the New Forest area.
They also stressed that if flags became detached from vehicles they could turn into "plastic missiles hurtling though the air" which could cause serious injury.
Mark Perryman of the Englandfans supporters' club said: "If there is a serious health and safety issue it needs to be taken seriously. But I was at Old Trafford for England's last match and about 25% of the cars carried flags. I didn't see any of them flying off and blinding people."
In another development, Tesco last night lifted its ban on its delivery truck drivers displaying flags on their vehicles. The company changed its policy after pressure from staff and members of the public.