Oxfordshire County Council has applied for a High Court injunction to stop the flying of St George's and Union flags on or near public highways.

If granted, the injunction would prevent members of Raise the Colours from placing flags on or near roads across Oxfordshire without permission.

It would also allow the council to take enforcement action if the court order is breached.

Oxfordshire County Council says the legal action has been taken to protect residents and council workers from intimidation.

Oxfordshire County Council has applied for a High Court injunction to stop the campaign group Raise the Colours from flying the St George's and Union flags on or near public highways.

placeholder image — Oxfordshire County Council has applied for a High Court injunction to stop the campaign group Raise the Colours from flying the St George's and Union flags on or near public highways.

Council leader Cllr Tim Bearder said: “This application is about protecting our residents, our workforce and the values we stand for as a county.

“We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George's flag at County Hall, and we fully support the right of residents to display flags on their own private property.

“However, there's an important distinction between lawful expression and activity that puts people at risk or intimidates residents in their own communities.

“This activity is not about national pride or unity. It is unlawful behaviour, which has caused fear and division within our communities.

“We have a clear responsibility to keep people safe and ensure our public spaces are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”

The application follows months of activity by campaign group Raise the Colours, whose members have placed hundreds of flags on or near public highways without permission.

According to the council, the activity has continued despite a formal legal notice being issued in March, followed by pre-action letters sent to named individuals in May.

The council says residents from across Oxfordshire have raised concerns about road safety, intimidation and distress linked to the unauthorised flags.

It also says council staff have faced abuse and harassment while removing them.

A council spokesperson said: "The council has a legal duty to keep the highway safe and ensure that public spaces are safe and inclusive.

“The ongoing scale and persistence of the behaviour by Raise the Colours has created safety risks, caused distress within communities, and led to abuse and intimidation directed at council teams and residents. The council has a duty to act to protect those affected.”

The injunction application will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, June 23.