The rules about flying the England and Union flags and using spray paint have been clarified as flags and graffiti have spread across Berkshire.
The St George’s cross flag and Union flags have been spotted at homes and a bridge near the McDonald’s in Wildridings, Bracknell and near the BP fuel station in Crowthorne.
Recently, St George’s crosses have been sprayed on road signs and street furniture in Whitley, and an England flag has also been spotted in Winnersh.
Flying the St George’s cross and the flag of the United Kingdom does not require permission, as both are symbols of the nation.
This is in contrast to other flags, that require planning permission either for a permanent flagpole or for advertising purposes.
Thames Valley Police recently won permission for a flagpole to fly its crest outside the force’s new Reading headquarters at Atlantic House in Whitley.
However, flying England and Union flags on public highways such as roads, bridges, and lampposts requires permission from the landowner.
Public highways are managed by local authorities, which have a responsibility to ensure signage is not obstructed, distracting or confusing to road users.
If a flag is obstructive or something else is distracting drivers and cyclists, a local authority has the power to remove it.
Both Bracknell Forest Council and Reading Borough Council have used this justification to remove flags and graffiti.
Andrew Hunter, executive director for place at Bracknell council, said: “While removing flags attached to lampposts or other street furniture may seem trivial, as a public authority we have to apply highways and planning rules consistently and fairly.
“The flags in Crowthorne were removed because they did not have the relevant permission – we took them down early in the morning to reduce inconvenience to road users.”
Although flags have not been put up on the public highway in Reading, masked men were seen spray painting St George’s crosses on road signs at a roundabout in Northumberland Avenue, Whitley at around 10.40pm on Monday, August 25.
The former Whitley Library at that junction was converted into the Al Majid Centre mosque in 2022.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The council is aware of several road signs and other highways assets being painted over the weekend.
“We appreciate people may want to show their patriotism, but we cannot condone this action which presents a safety risk to the public.
“The council will be removing the paint and repainting these assets.”
Graffiti is a criminal offence, as it is treated as criminal damage and vandalism.
Penalties for those prosecuted for graffiti can involve a £80 fixed penalty notice for minor offences, a fine of up to £2,500, or a prison sentence of up to six months.
