Concerns have been raised by the public in Weymouth following footage showing a Dorset Police officer (collar number 2529) speaking with members of a group calling itself “Flagman UK” while they were apparently attaching Union flags to lampposts in Weymouth. (Although we have the officer’s ID, we have chosen to hold it back at this time.)
In the footage, the individuals appear to be using ladders to attach flags to street furniture. The officer can be seen speaking with them and subsequently shaking hands with one of the individuals before leaving the area, after which the flagging activity appears to continue.
Although the officer attending the incident may have a number of considerations that are not apparent from a short video, there is no suggestion that the footage alone establishes that the officer acted improperly or that an offence by him has been committed. However, the concerns from those who have contacted us at Dorset Eye are about the impression the interaction may give to members of the public—particularly if attaching flags to highway furniture without the necessary permission or authorisation is contrary to the relevant legislation or local arrangements (see below).
There are also legitimate public-safety concerns surrounding people climbing ladders beside roads and attaching objects to street furniture. If flags are inadequately secured, there could potentially be a risk to pedestrians or road users.
Therefore, we would be grateful if Dorset Police could clarify whether officers were aware of the activity, whether they considered any offence or public-safety issue to arise, whether they are aware of the Highways Act 1980 and, if so, what action was considered appropriate. If no offence was believed to have been committed, the public would appreciate an explanation of the relevant legal position and whether members of the public would similarly be permitted to attach flags to lampposts or other highway furniture.
This is being raised because we value public confidence in Dorset Police and would like to understand the circumstances shown in the footage rather than draw conclusions from it alone. We would also be interested to know whether the individuals involved were given any advice or instruction concerning the safety and legality of the activity.
If the activity was considered unlawful or unsafe, we would hope that the appropriate authorities will take whatever proportionate action is available to prevent similar activity and reduce any potential risk to the public.
The sight of flags and banners appearing on lampposts and other street furniture has become increasingly common in parts of Dorset and across the UK. But while individuals are generally free to display national flags on their own property, the rules are very different when it comes to public highways.
Flags on Lampposts: What the Law Says in Dorset
In Dorset, as elsewhere in the UK, attaching a flag, banner or other object to a public lamppost or item of street furniture without permission is unlawful. Lampposts are normally owned or controlled by the local authority or highway authority; they are not public flagpoles.
The legal framework is primarily set out in the Highways Act 1980. Sections 132 and 178 deal with the unauthorised attachment of signs, pictures, letters and other objects to structures on the public highway. Unless there is lawful authority or permission from the relevant highway authority, attaching an item to a lamppost can therefore constitute an offence.
Planning rules also make an important distinction. National flags, including the Union Flag and St George’s Cross, can generally be displayed on private residential or business property without requiring planning permission in circumstances covered by the relevant exemptions. That does not mean the same flags can automatically be attached to public infrastructure. Public highway land and street furniture are subject to separate controls, including the need for landowner or highway-authority consent and, in some circumstances, advertisement consent.
The issue has particular relevance in Dorset, where council officials have raised concerns about unauthorised flags and other displays being placed on public infrastructure. Dorset Council has highlighted the potential safety implications of unauthorised installations, as well as the cost to taxpayers when items have to be removed or infrastructure cleaned or repaired.
There is also a wider community consideration. While displaying a national flag can be a legitimate expression of pride or identity, unauthorised mass displays in public spaces can generate disagreement and, in some circumstances, community tensions. Councils therefore have to balance individual expression with their responsibilities for public safety, highway maintenance and the use of public assets.
Local authorities and their highway contractors can remove unauthorised attachments from lampposts and other highway structures. BCP Council, which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, has similarly encouraged residents to report unlawful displays on public infrastructure.
The key distinction is therefore simple: a flag on your own property is one thing; a flag attached to a public lamppost is another. Anyone wishing to put flags or banners on public street furniture should obtain explicit permission from the relevant highway authority before doing so.
