Flags will be removed if a danger to motorists

KCC Highways teams will not be removing flags from buildings and lamp posts across Kent unless they pose a safety risk to road users and the public.

However, the council is advising people to put safety first and not to scale lamp posts and tall structures to display Union and St George flags, risking their own personal safety.

Flags that are hindering the work of KCC and district and borough councils, like those blocking the view of CCTV cameras, will be removed as will anything affecting road signage and the safety of the public.

KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Peter Osborne, said: “We very much recognise that people wish to express their views, but we must use common sense.

“Flags will have to be removed if they are in any way putting people’s safety at risk.”

KCC is also reminding people that the flying of any flag is subject to some standard conditions and requires the permission of the owner of the site on which it is displayed. This includes the Highway Authority if the flag is placed on highway land.

Any incidents of trespass, inappropriate or offensive behaviour or messaging will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Source: Kent County Council
Picture credit: Jorono