The council has been in the process of removing unauthorised items like flags from public highway assets such as lamp posts and road signs since 2025, as they can create safety hazards.
Councillor Alex Winning, leader of Southampton City Council said the work is being carried out under the council’s existing street‑lighting maintenance contract, with the council working with its contractor to ensure full cost recovery.
He said: “We are in the process of removing unauthorised items, including flags, from streetlights across the city, starting with the main arterial and trunk roads.
“While the council fully supports individuals’ right to express their identity and heritage, this should be done in a responsible and lawful way, such as displaying items on their own property.
“We remain committed to balancing safety, inclusivity, and respect for freedom of expression, and ensuring that our shared public spaces are safe and welcoming for everyone.
“The removal programme is being carried out in a staged and proportionate way.”
He said the first removals took place in 2025, focusing on flags that were dangerous or obstructive to road users, including those that interfere with visibility or highway safety.
Cllr Winning added: “In early January 2026, flags were removed at the same time as Christmas lights.
“Following this, remaining unauthorised flags are in the process of being removed when weather and road network conditions allow for safe removal.
Councillor Jeremy Moulton, who represents Millbrook ward, confirmed on his Facebook that the council had authorised the flag removal from Millbrook last night.
He said: “I believe a van went round at 1.30am and started pulling them down in Millbrook.
“It’s not very transparent and quite sneaky from the council.
“We just want to understand why, at the end of the day it is taxpayer’s money, so we want some transparency.
“Personally, I think they look great, but I know that’s not everyone’s opinion.”
The decision to take the flags down was met with a mixed reaction from residents on Facebook.
One commenter replied: “Good, we should only put them up officially.
“Not for hate.”
Another person said: “They should stay up I love seeing them fluttering in the wind.
“Makes me proud to be British.
“Our British flag should not be a cause of intimidation, it is of national pride in our once Great Britain.”