Ha ha ....... joking aside, it's moving towards to that kind of scenario.
However, we still do stop the traffic for a minute or two if it's safe to do so ........ you wouldn't do it between 0730-0900 on the main road into Manchester for example. But, with blame culture still a major part of todays society, woe betide if an incident did occur ?? In the eyes of the law, we are NOT allowed to stop the traffic, simple as.
You really wouldn't believe what is involved in today's 'short duration' working (jumping in a Cab for example, or climbing a pole), the signing, lighting and guarding regs are rammed down your throat until you're sick, and examples of what happens when you don't are shown in 4k quality.
The issue with the OP's complaint is completely different though, it is a genuine safety concern if the pole can't be climbed. Only a first-class d1ckhead would risk both a) their life and b) their job/pension by climbing a D-pole. I personally know two engineers who have had 'experiences' over the years ...... one is lucky to still be with us and was in hospital for 4 months (full recovery made now), the other had one leg amputated.
H&S can be a right royal pain in the butt when it is 'over-applied', but sometimes it is there to protect. Still won't stop me climbing the MDF iron-work as opposed to the travelling ladders if they are too far away, though.