Sorry to say it John,
But that is typical DIY talk,
neon screwdrivers are brilliant, I wouldn't be without mine,
But to say it could be used in that manner is at best complete misinformed carelessness,
A little knowledge and all that,
and we know your not a foolish man, but that sort of statement is just totally ridiculous.
That's what the DNO does if they have two black cables sticking out of the ground!
Well at least WPD do.
I've seen it done, I suspect that John has too.
It's also what WPD teach on their course for the street lighting sparks to pull cutout fuses.