Roadside memorials

Description

There is an increasing tendency for relatives and friends to place flowers and other tributes at the scene of fatal road traffic accidents. This page is intended to advise on this very sensitive subject.

Background

There are several conflicting issues involved and differing views have been expressed.

Views in support of memorials

1. The laying down of flowers can be an important part of the grieving process and people should be allowed to express their grief in this way.
2. A memorial can act as a warning to road users of the possible dangers of the location.

The arguments against include

1. A memorial can create a hazard, distracting passing motorists.
2. The placement and maintenance of memorials can in itself involve a road safety risk.
3. Memorials, plaques or signs placed on the highway, on a wall or existing street furniture may add to clutter.
4. There are insurance and liability issues in the event of an accident occurring as a result of a driver being distracted.
5. A memorial may interfere with routine maintenance such as grass-cutting.

Other relevant factors

1. The Highways Act 1980 has no express provision to license or permit memorials on the highway.
2. There are legal traffic signs specifically to warn of potential hazards.
3. Roadside memorials are a relatively recent development in the UK, there is no tradition or deep cultural reason supporting this practice.
4. A reasonable time for floral tributes to remain on the highway can only be subjective
5. The visual impact of memorials will be different in rural and urban locations
6. There is a view that placing memorials on the highway is maudlin and unhealthy.

Good practice

Temporary memorials (floral tributes)

It would be insensitive to remove fresh flowers left in tribute. It is not our role to decide when grieving should end, so we should not set a strict time limit for these items. In most cases, no action should be taken in relation to temporary floral tributes. There may be exceptions, for example if the tributes create a road safety risk or get in the way of road maintenance. In these situations, staff should take a sensitive approach and explain the issue to those who placed the tributes. Police family liaison officers may be able to help Surrey Highways with this. If it is not possible to identify who placed the tribute, it may need to be removed. Each situation should be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Road Peace memorial signs (“Remember Me”) are not covered by current legislation, so we cannot allow them to be placed on the highway.

Permanent memorials on the highway are not necessary and can add clutter, distract road users, block pedestrians, or cause injury in a collision. For these reasons, Surrey Highways does not allow permanent memorials on the highway.

General

Following consideration of the above guidance and the individual circumstances, we will make the final decision about any roadside memorials, in close liaison with Surrey Police.