However, the council is advising people to put safety first and not to scale lamp posts and tall structures to display Union and St George flags, risking their own personal safety.
Flags that are hindering the work of KCC and district and borough councils, like those blocking the view of CCTV cameras, will be removed as will anything affecting road signage and the safety of the public.
“Flags will have to be removed if they are in any way putting people’s safety at risk.”
KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Peter Osborne, said: “We very much recognise that people wish to express their views, but we must use common sense.
“Flags will have to be removed if they are in any way putting people’s safety at risk.”
KCC is also reminding people that the flying of any flag is subject to some standard conditions and requires the permission of the owner of the site on which it is displayed. This includes the Highway Authority if the flag is placed on highway land.
Any incidents of trespass, inappropriate or offensive behaviour or messaging will be reported to the relevant authorities.
Update 4 November 2025
In response to questions about flags in Harrietsham and how they will affect the instillation of Christmas Lights, Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport for Kent County Council, added: "The claim that Harrietsham Parish Council will face significant extra costs is simply wrong. The contractor they have already hired to install the Christmas lights can remove any obstructing flags as part of the same job - no additional significant expense should be expected.
"We fully support communities coming together to celebrate Christmas with festive lights - it’s a valued tradition that brings people together. But safety must come first. Flags on streetlight columns pose a risk during installation, so they must be removed to ensure the lights go up safely and can be enjoyed by everyone."
