Councils urge people to stop painting St George's Cross on road markings
They say they're 'committed to supporting civic pride' - but there are ways to do it that are 'within the law'
North Somerset Council is the latest local authority urging people to stop people painting the St George's Cross over road markings.
They say they're 'committed to supporting civic pride' - but there are ways to do it that are 'within the law'.
'We understand how important national symbols are to many people'
Councillor Hannah Young Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We understand how important national symbols are to many people and North Somerset Council is proud to fly the Union Flag from locations including the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare. However, this pride should be shown in ways that are respectful and safe.
“We are aware of a small number of incidents where roundabouts and zebra crossings have been damaged or painted over. We urge people not to paint symbols over road markings as it can have an impact on visibility, distract drivers and increase the risk of accident for both road users and pedestrians. Road markings are strictly regulated for safety reasons and it is a criminal offence to deface them under the Highways Act 1980.
“We’re working closely with partners, including Avon and Somerset Police, to tackle this issue and will investigate where appropriate. Please report damage to our highways using the form on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/do-it-online/report-or-request-services.
“Where flags and other notices have been attached to the highway without permission, they pose a similar risk as they can fall and obstruct the view of drivers, therefore they will also be removed. The council is committed to supporting civic pride, but this must be in ways that are within the law. The cleaning of defaced road markings and the removal of unauthorised banners costs money which takes valuable resources away from delivering other, much valued council services.”
A 'cost to the public purse'
It comes as BANES Council warn they're going to have to use taxpayers cash to clean up spray-painted mini roundabouts.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said: “The removal of graffiti, stickers, and flags placed on public assets comes at a cost to the public purse.
"This cost is not only financial, but also importantly includes the cost of council officers having to divert scarce resource from delivering promised, needed improvements.
"It is a criminal offence to put non-approved markings on the highways, and the police are actively investigating recent occurrences. The safety of everyone using our network is our top priority, and any vandalism of signs designed to keep road users safe will not be tolerated."