Luton Council has warned residents not to attach flags or other objects to lamp posts after a surge in unauthorised displays of St George’s crosses and Union flags linked to the online campaign Operation Raise the Colours.
The campaign has seen supporters across England hang national flags from lamp posts and street signs in recent weeks, but the council’s message makes clear the town will not permit such unauthorised displays, whatever the flag or the cause.
In a statement, the council said it understands that people may wish to display flags in public but stressed that, for safety and legal reasons, it is not permitted to attach anything to lamp posts or other street furniture anywhere in the town.
“This is in line with the Highways Act 1980 and applies equally to all flags and items, regardless of their design or message,” the statement said. “It’s the approach we’ve always taken when items are put up on our highway. When we receive reports of unauthorised fixings, we are required to remove them. Each removal comes at a cost to the council, which ultimately falls on local taxpayers.”
The council added that attaching items to lamp posts can create risks because climbing or using makeshift fixings can cause injury, saying: “For these reasons, national regulations and our own policies do not allow it.”
Officials also asked that staff and contractors be treated with respect while carrying out removals.
“They are simply doing their job,” the statement said. “Abuse, harassment or photographing staff for the purposes of targeting them on social media is unacceptable, will not be tolerated and will be reported to the police.”
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