Council issues warning about St George's flag on roundabouts:
"It costs public money to repair the damage, which could be better spent on vital services"
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/council-issues-warning-st-georges-32362644
Photo: manchestereveningnews.co.uk · view article
Illegal St George’s Flags Spark Safety and Cost ConcernsSeveral Greater Manchester roundabouts were defaced with flags, creating hazards and requiring costly removal under UK law.
Key FactsAug 27, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
- Oldham Council has cautioned against painting St George’s flags on public infrastructure, labeling the act unlawful.
- Flag graffiti has appeared on roundabouts and road junctions in areas such as Oldham, Trafford, and Sale.
- Defacing road markings poses safety threats to motorists and pedestrians and contravenes the Highways Act 1980.
- Repairing the damage consumes public funds that could otherwise support essential community services.
If people want to display it, fine on their own property, but I don't think you've got the right to go out and paint public property.— Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, commented on the flag painting on public property.
News on this topic
Council issues warning about St George’s flag on roundabouts: Oldham Council has issued a warning to residents not to paint the St George’s flag on public ...
oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/139/main-news/159558/council-issues-warning-about-st-george%E2%80%99s-flag-on-roundabouts
Council issues warning about St George's flag on roundabouts: "It costs public money to repair the damage, which could be better spent on vital services"
manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/council-issues-warning-st-georges-32362644
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Wakefield Council issues statement on St George's flag paintings on road markings
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Key FactsSafety Issues with St George Flag Road Paintings
Sep 6, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: wakefieldexpress.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: wakefieldexpress.co.uk
- Wakefield Council addresses a nationwide trend of red crosses painted on roundabouts and pedestrian crossings resembling the St George flag.
- White markings on mini-roundabouts and crossings are legally mandated to ensure road user safety under the Road Traffic Act.
- Painting over these markings creates hazards for road users and increases repair expenses for the council.
- While most flags attached to lampposts are currently permitted, the council will act if any pose safety risks.
The Road Traffic Act makes it a legal requirement to do this to keep road users safe.— Joe Jenkinson, Service Director for Planning, Transportation and Strategic Highways (Wakefield Council)
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North Yorkshire Council issues warning over illegal flying and painting of flags as trend grows
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Masked men caught painting England flags on roundabouts and crossings: The latest incidents come amid a wave of similar displays around the country ...
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Key FactsFlag Painting Sparks Debate in Walsall Town
Aug 27, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
- Two men wearing St George’s masks were caught painting England flags on roundabouts and crossings in Walsall.
- This activity is linked to the nationwide Operation Raise the Colours movement seen throughout the summer.
- Walsall Council highlighted concerns about public safety and potential hazards caused by unauthorized street decorations.
- Authorities are investigating the incidents as vandalism while seeking safer ways to express national pride.
I am very supportive of anyone who wants to display their patriotism and passion for this country, while also being clear that we need to do that safely.— Richard Parker, Labour mayor for the West Midlands, emphasized the importance of expressing patriotism safely.
Council's urgent safety warning after St George's flag sprayed on roundabouts: The council's warning comes after the England flag has appeared in several ...
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Roundabout ‘looks like it has been crossed out’ after England flag graffiti: "Could be confusing to drivers.”
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Kidderminster mini roundabouts painted with St George's flag: Red crosses have appeared painted on mini roundabouts and near a car park in Kidderminster.
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