St George’s crosses have been spray-painted onto roads and roundabouts in Kent overnight – with flags also flying on motorway bridges, flyovers and in high streets across the county.
Pedestrian crossings, give-way markings and mini-roundabouts in Faversham and Sittingbourne were found daubed with red crosses this morning, while St George’s flags lined many streets.
Similar displays have appeared along major routes, with flags hanging from bridges on the M2 between Faversham and Sittingbourne, the M20 at Ashford and the A299 Thanet Way near Herne Bay, as well as on the A2 in Sittingbourne.
The wave of flags and road markings appears to be part of a fast-growing national trend dubbed Operation Raise the Colours, which has seen similar scenes unfold in towns and cities across England in recent weeks.
The campaign, which first gathered momentum during the Lionesses’ Euros run earlier this summer, encourages people to show pride by flying England’s St George’s Cross and the Union Jack from bridges, lampposts and street furniture.
Supporters describe it as a celebration of heritage and community, but critics argue the sudden displays feel provocative at a time when national tensions over immigration and identity are running high.
In Birmingham, where hundreds of flags were first put up, local councils removed some banners from lampposts over safety concerns, citing the risk to maintenance workers.
In Worcestershire, mini-roundabouts were painted with St George’s crosses, prompting West Mercia Police to launch a criminal damage investigation.
Similar incidents have been reported in Norwich, Bradford, Newcastle, and Teignmouth, where painted markings and mass flag displays appeared almost overnight.
Meanwhile, in Kent, they have appeared outside the town hall in Market Place, Faversham, throughout Whitstable Road and above the A2 London Road near The Abbey School.
The “welcome to Sittingbourne” sign on the A2 approaching the town near Sittingbourne School has also had a St George’s flag hanging across it.
Various other flags have been placed on lampposts around the town and outside the Spring Acres new housing development near Bapchild.
Kent County Council – which oversees the county’s highways – has been contacted for comment.
Under the Highways Act 1980, attaching items to highway structures or painting road markings without permission is illegal, and authorities can order their removal or seek costs from those responsible.
It is not yet known if the council intends to take action in this case.
Meanwhile, the sudden displays have prompted heated debate on social media.
In local residents’ groups, some have praised the flags as a “symbolic reminder of our identity, culture and past”, while others view them as divisive.
One commenter said: “People want to show they are proud to be British and English. It’s not extremism.”
Another criticised the spray-painting, posting: “It’s vandalism. They’ve daubed over zebra crossings and roundabouts and it’s not even done neatly.”
