Flags painted on roundabouts are “disrespectful”, says Gloucestershire County Councillor
The St George’s Cross has been appearing on roundabouts and bridges across the country.
People are being warned that England flags that have been appearing on bridges and painted on roundabouts across the country could cause danger to drivers.
Flags have also started appearing across Gloucestershire and the county council say their highways team are working on removing them.
Cllr Joe Harris, cabinet member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council said: "While we understand the pride many people feel for our national flag, painting it on a carriageway, where it is inevitably driven over by vehicles, is potentially dangerous and also disrespectful, as it reduces a national symbol to little more than road markings.
"As someone who used to collect flags, I know how much they mean as symbols of pride and identity and that they should be treated with care and kept in good condition.
"The flag of England deserves to be recognised properly, not turned into road paint that is quickly scuffed, worn down and driven across by cars and lorries. This not only undermines the pride the flag represents, but also risks confusing drivers and creating a road safety hazard.
"As a result, our Highways teams are arranging for flags painted on roundabouts to be removed. There are many positive ways to celebrate our national identity and show pride in the flag, but this is not one of them.
"We encourage residents to demonstrate their patriotism in ways that celebrate the flag without compromising road safety or devaluing what it stands for. The County Council proudly flies the Union Flag all year round and the St George's Cross on St George's Day."