JAWS
01-Jun-06, 15:11
LONDON (Reuters) - It's not just the hooligans -- patriotic football fans who attach flags to their cars could also be in trouble with the law. Police in rural Hampshire have warned motorists that their fluttering flags are frightening the horses.
"It is commendable that the nation is getting behind their football team, but I do have concerns that motorists may cause an animal to bolt and possibly cause injury to itself, its rider or innocent passers-by," said Police Constable Derek Grist.
However Grist, the local force's Equine Liaison Officer, cautioned drivers that they could face assault charges if their flag flew off and struck a pedestrian or a cyclist and hurt them. "We are not trying to be killjoys. All we ask for is a little bit of consideration," he said.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/31052006/80-132/flag-sporting-cars-frightening-horses.html
For many years I have been seeing car, coaches etc, flying flags and team scarves for many various sporting events throughout Britain.
I have also seen flags and pennants flown from vehicles for various other reasons including support for various organisations or as indications of Nationality.
Has anybody heard of any horse bolting or any cyclist or pedestrian being injured by such items, or is this just a case of somebody so full of his own importance that he is determined to create his own five minutes of fame?
"It is commendable that the nation is getting behind their football team, but I do have concerns that motorists may cause an animal to bolt and possibly cause injury to itself, its rider or innocent passers-by," said Police Constable Derek Grist.
However Grist, the local force's Equine Liaison Officer, cautioned drivers that they could face assault charges if their flag flew off and struck a pedestrian or a cyclist and hurt them. "We are not trying to be killjoys. All we ask for is a little bit of consideration," he said.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/31052006/80-132/flag-sporting-cars-frightening-horses.html
For many years I have been seeing car, coaches etc, flying flags and team scarves for many various sporting events throughout Britain.
I have also seen flags and pennants flown from vehicles for various other reasons including support for various organisations or as indications of Nationality.
Has anybody heard of any horse bolting or any cyclist or pedestrian being injured by such items, or is this just a case of somebody so full of his own importance that he is determined to create his own five minutes of fame?