Flags on the highway

As a council, we proudly fly both the Union Jack and St George’s flags. We also welcome residents displaying flags on their own property.

However, placing flags or painting them on or near highways can create serious safety hazards. These include reduced visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and increased risk of distraction. In addition, installing flags on street furniture or near roads can lead to personal injury or property damage. For these reasons, we strongly advise people against doing so.

To keep everyone safe, our teams have been removing flags and other unauthorised attachments from streetlights during routine maintenance or where they pose an immediate risk.

With the current darker, windier and wetter weather, these risks are increasing. We are therefore stepping up the removal of flags and other unauthorised items. Each case will be assessed based on the level of risk, with priority given to those that pose an immediate risk.

Our overarching priority is to keep our roads and public spaces safe for everyone.