Royal Mail bans posties from sporting England flags on vans
The Royal Mail has banned postal workers from putting stickers, flags or any other England insignia on vans, bikes and trollies.
Thursday 14 June 2018 10:01, UK
As the World Cup gets underway, football fans across England will be attaching their St George's Crosses to their homes and cars to show support.
But postal workers have been stopped from following suit after the Royal Mail banned England flags from their cars, bikes, and trollies ahead of the World Cup.
Post offices will be able to fly the flag, but there will not be any flags, stickers or "insignia" on Royal Mail vehicles, over fears it could cause a distraction.
A Royal Mail spokesman explained the flags could be a hazard if they become dislodged from the vans.
The policy has been in place for several years, including during previous football tournaments.
One postal worker told the Daily Telegraph: "It's bonkers, frankly. Many posties are football fans and want to show their support for England - but we're not allowed to do so."
Flags on cars are legal, but the Highway Code states they should not obscure the view of other road users.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Flags should not be flown on vehicles as Royal Mail has a duty of care both to all employees and to members of the public.
"This is a company-wide policy across the business which covers flags and stickers across trollies, bikes, vans and lorries. No other flag or insignia should be carried next to the Royal Mail brand and insignias.
"Flags placed on vehicles can obscure the driver's view. They can also pose a potential hazard to other road users if they are lost when the vehicle is moving.
"We do want our colleagues to have every opportunity to follow the World Cup but we need to continue to provide services to customers. There will be flags on display in Royal Mail offices and live radio commentary playing on PA systems during matches."