Highways bosses issue warning as flags appear on Lancs motorway bridges

National flags fluttering from motorway bridges across Lancashire will be removed, highways bosses have warned.

Patriotism and national pride have been cited for the motivation behind flying Union and St George's flags in public places in recent weeks, but some have suggested such activities are fuelled by anti-migrant and racist movements.

Although there is some evidence that some campaigns, such as Operation Raise the Colours, have been spearheaded by far-right groups, those who are simply patriotic have also taken umbrage at flags being taken down or discouraged. Councils in some parts of the UK have announced they will be removing flags from lampposts amid safety concerns, which has further raised public awareness and the profile of groups involved.

The phenomenon is believed to have started in an area of Birmingham after a 12-year-old girl was prevented from making a speech about being British in her school while wearing a union jack-themed dress. Those involved in the initial campaign have previously told the BBCthat their efforts were an attempt to "to take the flag back from the racists".

Activity in the Weoley area of the Midlands is separate from a group called Operation Raise the Colours which, according to research group Hope Not Hate, was co-founded by Andrew Currien, otherwise known as Andy Saxon, who has allegedly had links with the English Defence League and Britain First.

In a blog post last week Hope Not Hate wrote: "There is nothing wrong with raising the Union Jack or cross of St George. Despite what people claim on social media, it’s not illegal to be proud to be English or British! It’s also true that not everyone who has raised a flag is far right.

"But the fact that much of this wave of activism is being organised by well-known racists and extremists does raise questions about the motivations behind much of Operation Raise the Colours."

Across Lancashire, national flags and bunting can be seen flying from motorway bridges spanning the M6 and M55, particularly in the areas north of Preston. Bosses at National Highways have warned they will be removed.

Advertising or placement of anything which potentially could cause a distraction for motorists is prohibited from the motorway network. This was the reasoning used previously in Lancashire when graffiti was painted across motorway bridges.

A spokesperson for National Highways, which is responsible for managing and maintaining the motorway network, said: "Safety is our priority and we do all we can to protect those who use our roads.

"Items such as flags attached to a bridge could pose a danger to motorists on the road below and so need to be removed for safety reasons.”