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Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned they could be fined £2,500 for flying flags including Union Jack
The government has eased restrictions on flying flags, including not only the Union Jack but also the national flags of England and Wales - but falling foul of the rules could result in a fine The Union Jack has been in the limelight this week following an incident in which a 12-year-old girl was put in isolation for wearing the flag to school. However, as the government promotes increased flag displays across the country, households should be mindful of certain rules that, if breached, could lead to a hefty £2,500 fine. The Government has relaxed restrictions on flying flags, including not only the Union Jack but also the national flags of England, Wales, Ireland and indeed any other country. Even county flags, such as Yorkshire's, are being encouraged to fly more frequently as part of the Government's initiative. 'We stayed overnight at this castle's medieval-themed hotel and the kids loved it' It's worth noting that the Union Jack is often referred to as 'the Union Flag' - both terms are acceptable despite the Jack's maritime origins, but they must still be displayed in line with the law to avoid fines. The guidelines for rooftop flag displays are fairly flexible. The government allows certain flags to be flown from rooftops of any size, provided they meet specific criteria. It stipulates all flags must be kept in a safe condition, reports Yorkshire Live. Furthermore, it must have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed (this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land). It must not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport. It should be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority. Where flags can be flown without needing permission Any national flag, civil ensign or civil air ensign from any country. The flag of the Commonwealth, the United Nations or any other international organisation of which the United Kingdom is a member. A flag representing any island, county, district, borough, burgh, parish, city, town or village within the United Kingdom. The flag of the Black Country, East Anglia, Wessex, any part of Lincolnshire, any Riding of Yorkshire or any historic county within the United Kingdom. The flag of Saint David (Wales). The flag of Saint Patrick (Ireland). The flag of any administrative area within any country outside the United Kingdom. Any flag belonging to His Majesty's forces. The Armed Forces Day flag. The government further clarifies: "There are no restrictions on the size of flag." However, if you plan to fly the flag from a pole extending from any part of a building other than the roof, the rules become more stringent. The Town and Country Planning Regulations 2007 stipulate maximum sizes for flags flown on your house if they're on a pole, not on the roof. The government adds: "The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size. No restrictions on the size of characters. Consent is required if the flagpole is in a controlled area." Permission is needed if you reside in a designated controlled zone, such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Failing to comply with these rules could result in individuals being reported and potentially hit with fines of up to £2,500 for ignoring local council orders to remove an oversized flag. The law states: "A person displaying an advertisement in contravention of these Regulations shall be liable, on summary conviction of an offence under section 224(3) of the Act, to a fine of an amount not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and, in the case of a continuing offence, one tenth of level 4 on the standard scale [£2,500] for each day during which the offence continues after conviction."


BBC News
01-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Builder perseveres after Filey homes plan refused three times
A builder has put forward plans for five new houses, despite having three previous applications and an appeal Sawdon wants to build four three-bedroom terraced homes and a bungalow on the site at 12 Carlton Road in previous scheme, which was refused last spring, proposed seven dwellings, which Filey Town Council said would have resulted in "poor amenity for the residents".The project would also see the demolition of a builder's yard and electrical depot, which currently occupy the site. No date has been set for a decision to be made on the fresh proposal. Newly submitted plans for the development near Filey town centre state the "spacious terraced houses" would have "adequate external space and modern grouping design".The application also states the buildings would be constructed of brick "to reflect the locale".Last year, planning officers expressed concerns about a proposed large area for car parking, which they said would "create an environment dominated by vehicles".According to the updated proposal, all 12 parking spaces would be located on-site "so there would be no increase in existing or current traffic movements".The Highway Authority has already reviewed the updated scheme and has recommended "the existing access track be tarmacked, as with the proposed parking area, to provide a clear and suitable access route to the site".According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service a condition has also been proposed, stating that none of the properties can be occupied "until the related parking facilities have been constructed in accordance with the details approved".The proposal is currently pending consideration by North Yorkshire Council. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Heavy traffic hits highways as Klang Valley sees post-Aidiladha return
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Traffic flow on the main highways heading towards the Klang Valley was reported to be congested as of 2 pm this afternoon, as people start returning to the capital after the Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday. A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) said traffic flow from the north towards the Klang Valley on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) was congested at Permatang Pauh towards Juru, Jawi to Bandar Baharu, Kuala Kangsar to the Menora Tunnel and Gopeng to Tapah. She said traffic flow was also congested from Sungkai to Trolak, Bukit Beruntung to Sungai Buaya and the Rawang Rest and Treatment Area towards Rawang. 'Traffic flow from the south on the PLUS highway is congested from Pagoh to Simpang Empat, Pedas Linggi to Seremban, the Seremban Rest and Treatment Area to Nilai and the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza to the capital,' she said when contacted here today. For traffic flow from the east to the Klang Valley on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK), congestion occurred at the Karak Toll Plaza towards Lentang, Bukit Tinggi to the Genting Sempah Tunnel and the Gombak Rest Area towards the Gombak Toll Plaza. Meanwhile in Kelantan, traffic flow increased from Kuala Krai towards Gua Musang as of this afternoon, however it is still under control. Gua Musang district police chief Supt Sik Choon Foo when contacted said his party expected congestion to continue until the evening and that traffic conditions were being actively monitored by officers on duty from time to time. — Bernama
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Labour-led council bans pensioner from parking on his own driveway
A Labour-led council has banned a pensioner from parking on his own driveway – because it's 50cm too small. Bob Howes, 73, parked outside his home in Southampton, Hampshire, for 20 years until receiving a letter that told him to stop. Southampton city council officials informed him that he could no longer park on his driveway because it had no dropped kerb. But after spending £160 on an application to have the kerb installed, which would cost him another £3,000, he was told no. Instead, Mr Howes has to pay £30-a-year for a permit to park on the other side of the 'busy' street. Mr Howes and his wife Dawn, who have lived in the house since 1984, have 'parked on the drive for at least 20 years', he said. The pensioner described his 'embarrassment' at having to park on the street. He said: 'We have off-road parking and we've had to explain to neighbours why we're no longer parking there'. Motorists can be fined if parking across a pavement or verge without a dropped edge. Enforcement action differs across councils but fines can be as high as £1,000, according to Waltham Forest council. Mr Howes said he was 'willing to pay to have the work done'. However, the application was rejected because the 4.3-metre space was just below the required 4.8 metres, despite Mr Howes' Hyundai i10 being only 3.6 metres long. Mr Howes said 'it would take decades before they (the council) receive £3,000' at the rate of £30-a-year. Cllr Eamonn Keogh, the cabinet member for environment and transport, said: 'The minimum space requirements ensure that we meet our duty, as the Highway Authority, to ensure that all users of the highway can use the footway'. The measurements are 'enough to accommodate the average estate car at 4.7m long and the overall average car length of 4.4m,' he said. He added overhanging vehicles can make it 'difficult for some users such as parents with buggies or people with a mobility aid'. The retired civil servant is not the first to be affected by the rule. In August last year Ed Fisher, 78, was banned from using his driveway after 50 years. Speaking to the MailOnline, Mr Fisher said: 'We have to be responsible for paying for the dropped kerb ourselves. It smacks of 'we haven't got much to do, so we'll go and get em''. Earlier this month, Lambeth Council, another majority Labour council in South London, identified more than 200 properties where motorists were illegally parked. Residents were told they would have to pay an estimated £7,000 to add a dropped kerb, including £4,000 for the application. The new restrictions could generate up to £1 million for the south London council. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.


Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Labour-led council bans pensioner from parking on his own driveway
A Labour-led council has banned a pensioner from parking on his own driveway – because it's 50cm too small. Bob Howes, 73, parked outside his home in Southampton, Hampshire, for 20 years until receiving a letter that told him to stop. Southampton city council officials informed him that he could no longer park on his driveway because it had no dropped kerb. But after spending £160 on an application to have the kerb installed, which would cost him another £3,000, he was told no. Instead, Mr Howes has to pay £30-a-year for a permit to park on the other side of the 'busy' street. Mr Howes and his wife Dawn, who have lived in the house since 1984, have 'parked on the drive for at least 20 years', he said. The pensioner described his 'embarrassment' at having to park on the street. He said: 'We have off-road parking and we've had to explain to neighbours why we're no longer parking there'. Motorists can be fined if parking across a pavement or verge without a dropped edge. Enforcement action differs across councils but fines can be as high as £1,000, according to Waltham Forest council. Mr Howes said he was 'willing to pay to have the work done'. However, the application was rejected because the 4.3-metre space was just below the required 4.8 metres, despite Mr Howes' Hyundai i10 being only 3.6 metres long. Mr Howes said 'it would take decades before they (the council) receive £3,000' at the rate of £30-a-year. Cllr Eamonn Keogh, the cabinet member for environment and transport, said: 'The minimum space requirements ensure that we meet our duty, as the Highway Authority, to ensure that all users of the highway can use the footway'. The measurements are 'enough to accommodate the average estate car at 4.7m long and the overall average car length of 4.4m,' he said. He added overhanging vehicles can make it 'difficult for some users such as parents with buggies or people with a mobility aid '. The retired civil servant is not the first to be affected by the rule. In August last year Ed Fisher, 78, was banned from using his driveway after 50 years. Speaking to the MailOnline, Mr Fisher said: 'We have to be responsible for paying for the dropped kerb ourselves. It smacks of 'we haven't got much to do, so we'll go and get em''. Earlier this month, Lambeth Council, another majority Labour council in South London, identified more than 200 properties where motorists were illegally parked. Residents were told they would have to pay an estimated £7,000 to add a dropped kerb, including £4,000 for the application.