A seaside town has warned locals that St George’s flags and crosses added to public property without permission will not be allowed, however patriotic the intent. Plymouth City Council’s warning comes after St George’s crosses were painted on mini-roundabouts across the UK.
Council staff were filmed scrubbing them off, resulting in accusations from the far-right that these councils aren’t patriotic. This has been an occasional issue across the country in previous years, with councils saying that such markings could pose a safety risk. In 2018, World Cup fans painted England flags on mini-roundabouts in Leigham – and in other towns and cities – which in turn led to the same warnings from councils that while this was seen by those responsible as a way of embracing the country’s success in the football competition, it was still deemed “dangerous vandalism”. In the same year, in North Wales, red crosses appeared on mini-roundabouts and road markings, infuriating locals who were angry that their council tax would be spent on repainting the markings.
The latest kerfuffle saw a St George’s cross painted onto a white mini-roundabout in the city’s Ham Drive. Although no current football competitions are underway, council workers were deployed to try to cover it up with more white paint.
In reply, the council has issued a statement explaining its position, which is effectively the exact same position it has held since the last round of crosses were painted on the city’s roads.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said: “Plymouth is a proud and patriotic city, with a deep connection to our armed forces and a strong tradition of celebrating this pride by flying the Union Flag, the St George’s Cross and the flags of Plymouth and Devon.
“We understand that some residents also want to show their pride, which they are welcome to do on their own properties. However, people should not attempt to attach flags to, or paint things on, public property without permission.
“This is particularly important in areas around the public highway, where flags or markings could breach the Highways Act and pose a safety risk to road users, particularly if they become loose, obstruct visibility or have the potential to cause a distraction.
“To keep everyone safe, we need to remove any unauthorised flags or markings placed on the highway. We ask residents to refrain from placing flags or painting symbols on public roads or roundabouts.
“Where installations are found to be unsafe or unlawful, they may be removed and could result in enforcement action, including fines. We remain committed to supporting expressions of civic pride in ways that are safe, respectful and within the law.
“The Highways Act 1980 states it is an offence to affix items to structures on the highway without the consent of the highway authority, without reasonable excuse, and the council will remove any such items.”