Statement on flag removal from Ayrshire Roads Alliance

While we understand that some members of the community wish to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance, it is important to ensure that this does not compromise public safety.

Attaching items such as flags, signs, or banners to lampposts and other road infrastructure is an offence under the terms of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. These types of attachments can cause damage to infrastructure and in some cases obstruct visibility or be a distraction to drivers to the detriment of road safety. There is also the risk that they become detached and collide with passing traffic.

For these reasons, ARA will be taking steps to remove any unauthorised items from our infrastructure. This follows contact with local groups in communities where flags are being flown to explain why it is important from a safety perspective that they are removed.

We also want to highlight the significant safety risks involved in the installation of flags on lighting columns. The use of ladders against these structures places an additional load which is beyond their designed capacity. The weight of a person climbing or working on a column can lead to structural failure, endangering both the installer and the public.

Our priority remains ensuring the safety and integrity of our roads, while being mindful of, and responsive to, the communities we serve.

We therefore encourage residents to consider safer and more appropriate locations for flags or other displays that do not involve public roads, and that conform to all appropriate standards and regulations. This may include their own garden, or vehicle, or window in their home.

ends