Roads officials seek PSNI/RUC advice hundreds of times over flags flown without permission

Both the department and the PSNI/RUC have said they will only seek to remove flags where they pose a risk to public safety

                   LOYALIST FLAGS 

                  18th JULY, 2022. 

Stormont officials have sought PSNI advice hundreds of times over flags being flown from lampposts and other street furniture without permission.

On 405 occasions since 2019, the Department for Infrastructure has contacted police "for advice" following complaints about unauthorised flags.

Both the department and the PSNI have said they will only seek to remove flags where they pose a risk to public safety.

Alliance MLA Nick Mathison, who obtained the figures through a written Assembly question, hit out at the "abuse" of flags as a means to "intimidate, mock or divide".

Flags and emblems remain contentious in the North of Ireland's divided communities.

      Flags and emblems only seem to              remain contentious in loyalist areas.          They don't seem to be flown as often          or continually in nationalist areas in.                             mixed estates. 

A long-delayed £800,000 Stormont report aimed at addressing cultural divisions was published last December but failed to reach agreement on dealing with many issues over flags.

The Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT) made around 45 recommendations in other areas, but its report was published without Stormont agreeing an action plan.

Mr Mathison said: "Everyone has the right to celebrate their culture in a respectful and safe manner. However, the abuse of flags and other items continue to divide rather than promote our common culture.

"The FICT report has still not been implemented and the lack of an Executive is exacerbating this problem. We need to urgently see a legislative framework for clearly communicated, respectful and time-bound displays of such emblems on public property.

"It is long past time those who are abusing the democratic right to display emblems and instead using them to intimidate, mock or divide were stopped from doing so."

Responding to Mr Mathison's written question, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "In all instances, when a complaint is received about unauthorised flags flying from my department's equipment, officials will contact PSNI for advice.

  DUP MLAs controversial sectarian Tweet       on Argentina and the Irish National                                     Flag. 

"Between 1 January 2019 and 5 July 2022, my department has requested advice from PSNI on 405 occasions."

Article 87 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993 makes it an offence to attach unauthorised flags, signs or advertisements to structures such as lampposts, the infrastructure department said earlier this month.

It said that "where unauthorised flags or attachments pose a safety hazard to road users, the department will seek to remove that danger".

"When complaints are received the department will work closely with the PSNI and other key stakeholders," it added.

"The display of a flag of a proscribed terrorist organisation is a criminal offence that may be capable of investigation by the PSNI."

Earlier this month, Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the PSNI has no specific powers for removing flags and "will only act to remove flags where there are assessed risks to public safety owing to their erection".

With many thanks to: Belfast Live and Brendan Hughes Politicial reporter for the original publication. 

Follow these links to find out more on this story: DUP MLA distances himself from views aired in old tweet about flags on bonfire

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Roads officials seek PSNI advice hundreds of times over flags flown without permission