Lollipop men make comeback as council bans jargon

Telegraph.co.uk reports that Harrow Council in north-west London has scrapped jargon in favour of plain English.

Following a spot of "stakeholder engagement" - now to be known as "asking people what they think" - Harrow council in north-west London has replaced seven of the most confusing phrases with more simple versions.

As a result civic amenity sites will once more be rubbish tips and school crossing patrollers will again become lollipop men and women.

Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) will be referred to as permit parking or double yellow lines, and any motorist infringing the rules will no longer be punished by a civil enforcement officer but by a traffic warden.

Councillor Paul Osborn, whose title - portfolio holder for communication - appears to have survived the round of jargon-busting, said: "Our residents want to hear plain speaking and that is what we'll deliver."  Read full article >>

The Plain English Campaign will no doubt be applauding the move.

Langugage note: Lollipop men and women (people?) are so called on account of the fact that they carry a round sign on a long pole which ressembles... a lollipop. This one seems to be equipped with CCTV. Robopop?