North Somerset Council has issued a clear warning to residents: stop painting the St George’s Cross over road markings. While the council recognizes and values civic pride, it emphasizes that such expressions must be done within the bounds of the law.
Hannah Young, the council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, explained, “We understand how important national symbols are to many people, and North Somerset Council proudly flies the Union Flag at key locations including Weston-super-Mare Town Hall. However, defacing road markings with the St George’s Cross is both unsafe and illegal.”
Across North Somerset and the wider UK, some individuals have painted white road markings—such as mini-roundabouts, dotted lines, and zebra crossings—to resemble the English flag. The council has highlighted that these alterations can obscure essential road markings, creating hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.
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“Road markings are strictly regulated for safety reasons, and it is a criminal offence under the Highways Act 1980 to deface them,” Ms. Young emphasized. She also noted that the cleaning and restoration of these markings divert funds from other vital council services.
In Yatton, where several roundabouts and zebra crossings have been painted over, local councillor Steve Bridger voiced concerns over the cost implications. “Repainting these markings places an additional financial burden on taxpayers,” he said. “Patriotism should be expressed in ways that unite communities—such as flying flags on homes, public buildings, and designated flagpoles—not by damaging essential road infrastructure.”
Councillor Bridger also praised the community’s many positive and constructive expressions of pride and kindness, encouraging those acts to continue.
Ms. Young added that unauthorized flags and notices placed on highways also pose risks by obstructing drivers’ views and will be removed. The council is working closely with partners like Avon and Somerset Police to address these issues and encourages residents to report any damaged road markings through the official council website.