Soft toys banned on bin lorries

The firm says children might be attracted to toys on dustcarts

Rubbish collectors in north London have been ordered by their contractor to remove all cuddly toys strapped to their vehicles for safety reasons.

In a memo to staff General Manager of Haringey Enterprise, Doug Taylor, said the toys could draw children to the dustcarts and therefore endanger them.

He added the toys were against the firm's "professional" image and could obstruct the driver's view of the road.

Many rubbish collectors display cuddly toys as mascots on their trucks.

A statement from the company said the firm's instructions were based on two grounds:

"To ensure that Enterprise operational vehicles represent the company in a professional and business-like manner.

"To avoid the health and safety hazards that might arise from items obstructing the view of drivers and the possibility that children may approach vehicles to observe or touch cuddly toys, thereby placing themselves in danger."

Gary Doolan, GMB, branch secretary Islington and Haringey, said: "I think the company should concentrate on what they are contracted to do, which is to improve recycling, encourage cleaner streets, and remove refuse.

"It's pretty ludicrous what they are doing and I really do think they are doing it just to promote their image... they think it will make them look good."