Birmingham Council has warned painting the St George’s Cross on mini-roundabouts across the city could be “dangerous” for motorists.
Roundabouts painted in the colours of red and white have been spotted in a number of areas in and around Birmingham while the flag debate rumbles on.
The Union flag and St George’s cross have been put up in neighbourhoods such as Weoley Castle and Northfield, with thousands of pounds raised to support campaigns.
Many flags were attached to lampposts and other highway infrastructure, with some hung on major roads such as the A38 in south Birmingham.
The presence of the flags has sparked a fierce debate, with those responsible describing it as a patriotic move to celebrate the country’s history and traditions.
But it has also led to concern from others amid claims flags were being flown for political reasons and to stir up division within Birmingham.
The Labour-run city council previously provided a safety warning over the flags, adding it was normal procedure for items attached to lampposts to be removed on a “regular basis”.
And it has now issued a new message amid the painting of roundabouts in the city.
“Painting the flag of St George on road islands, while expressing national pride, is unlawful and potentially dangerous for the person painting the flag and for motorists,” a spokesperson for the authority said today, August 20.
West Midlands Police said yesterday: “We’re aware of criminal damage having occurred and we’re carrying out further enquiries.”
On the flags, a council spokesperson said previously that it “proudly flies” the Union flag outside the Council House every day.
“We recognise the importance of the Union Flag and Flag of St George as symbols of national pride,” they said.
“Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures.
“When it comes to items attached to lamp posts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.
“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached to street furniture.”
The council published a statement last week about its ongoing work to upgrade street lighting in the city, which it said would involve taking down ‘attachments’ from lampposts.
“Work is due to begin imminently, and lamp columns need to remain free from attachments so work can be carried out as quickly and safely as possible,” it said.
“Lampposts and other street furniture need to be protected which is why highways staff across the city removed around 200 advertising banners and flags that had been attached to lampposts since the start of this year.
“They take down attachments from lampposts routinely, including advertising signs, bunting trails and flags.”
The council said those who attached unauthorised items to lampposts could be “putting their lives and those of motorists and pedestrians at risk”.
The listed risks included falling debris, electrical hazards, obscured visibility and weakening of the lamppost.
“We’re continuing to do this every week and would ask that staff doing this work be allowed to continue this work unhindered,” the council added.
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