Rules on roadside memorials to be considered

Rules on flowers and other roadside memorials including plaques, benches and trees, are set to be debated by councillors.

Brighton and Hove City Council is looking at how tributes, which are often placed after road accidents, should be managed on public land.

A report for Tuesday's Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee said the authority wanted "to ensure greater clarity going forward".

Under the proposals, temporary memorials such as floral tributes could remain in place for up to 14 days, while applications would be made for other items, with the process normally taking eight weeks.

Those setting up spontaneous shrines and memorials, or anyone adding to them, will be barred from leaving anything more substantial such as "tables, vases, trinkets, stones, gazebos, books and ribbons", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

These would be removed, as would all unsanctioned items and all floral tributes after 14 days, or if they overspilt the "capacity" of the site or posed a threat to public health and safety.

"Items considered by senior executives to be political, divisive or offensive will be removed immediately," the report said.

Under the policy, the Safety Advisory Group should be consulted about any public vigil or gathering to ensure "multi-agency awareness of the activity", council papers added.

Donations for benches and trees are accepted by the council, the report said, and sites can be chosen.

Benches remain in place for a minimum of five years and tree donations are managed through the Tree Trust Fund, with planting taking place between November and March.

Proposals for commemorative memorials would require a 20-year wait to ensure future historical relevance.

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