They’re the cheerful sound of summer that has had generations of children scampering gleefully out of the school gates at the end of classes.
But council killjoys are looking to crack down on ice cream van jingles by limiting them to 12 seconds bursts.
Sales will also be banned outside school unless with the express permission of teachers – as well as within 50m of hospitals – and can only take place for 15 minutes.
The changes at South Cambridgeshire District Council – best known for its controversial four-day week on full pay for staff – was suggested by officers after some street traders complained about ‘illegal or unauthorised’ sellers.
It was backed by members of the Licensing Committee, who sent the matter away for consultation - but is already meeting resistance from vendors, who believe it goes too far, and customers.
