Roadside Tributes Policy

Policy Type COUNCIL

Policy Reference
CPOL 18/41664
Number

1.1 Maintain and improve roads, bridges and footpaths to

meet the needs of residents and industry.
Link to Community
3.2 Ensure attractive and vibrant public spaces.
Strategic Plan
3.4 Conserve and utilise public lands.
4.9 Ensure community safety.

Adopted by Council Enter Adoption Date

Council Resolution No Enter Resolution No

Version Number Draft

Responsible
Director Engineering and Infrastructure
Directorate

Review schedule

Next Review Date Enter Review Date

Federation Council - CPOL 18/41664

Reference: Record Number Version No: Draft Page 1
Contents
1. Purpose.................................................................................................................................................................3

2. Background...........................................................................................................................................................3

3. Scope ....................................................................................................................................................................3

4. Policy Statement ..................................................................................................................................................3

5. Installation ............................................................................................................................................................3

6. Removal ................................................................................................................................................................4

7. Delegated authority .............................................................................................................................................5

8. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................5

9. References & Associated Documents ..................................................................................................................5

10. Further advice ......................................................................................................................................................5

11. Policy History ........................................................................................................................................................5

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Reference: Record Number Version No: Draft Page 2
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines on the installation and removal of Roadside Memorials and
Tributes in urban areas.

2. Background
In Australia there are over 1,200 deaths each year on our roads. (Department of Infrastructure, Regional
Development and Cities). These deaths often generate an emotional response, whether it be by the family, loved
ones or the community. This may lead to the desire from impacted people to place memorials and tributes to the
lost loved one.

Council seeks to provide our residents and the community with a sensitive and consistent approach to roadside
tributes and memorials.

3. Scope
This policy provides guidance for individual families, the community, and operational staff in advising on the
installation or removal of roadside memorials or tributes such as flowers or small crosses of similar size.

This policy statement applies to all roads and public open spaces under Council’s care and control within urban
areas. For the purpose of this policy, an urban area is defined as being where there is infrastructure of built
environment and a speed restriction in place under 80km’s per hour.

Not all roads are under the care and control of Federation Council. This includes Spring Drive, Honour Avenue,
Riverina Highway and sections of Federation Way. Roads and Maritime NSW publish a guide to Roadside tributes,
which should be referred to http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/using-roads/roadside-tributes-
factsheet.pdf This Federation Council Roadside Tribute Policy does not apply to roadsides that are not within urban
areas.

Tributes in place prior to the adoption of this policy are outside the scope of this policy.

4. Policy Statement
The placement of roadside tributes is a matter for individual families and is recognised as an important part of the
grieving process for the loss of life of a person involved in a road trauma.

This Council policy has been prepared to assist members of the community to plan and prepare roadside tributes
to ensure they do not present a safety risk for other drivers or those visiting a roadside tribute site.

It is the responsibility of the person placing the roadside tribute to maintain it during the period of placement.
Council will remove any tribute that appears to have been neglected.

5. Installation
Council will permit the installation of the following for a maximum period of 3 months:

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Reference: Record Number Version No: Draft Page 3
 1. Small crosses or coloured posts no larger than 50cm high, 50cm wide and 30cm deep into the ground.
Crosses must not be concreted into the ground.
2. Flowers may be left at the location.

Council will not permit:

1. Small items that pose a danger to wildlife.

2. Items larger than the size provided above.

Roadside tributes must:

 Be placed at a minimum of 10m from the edge of the road or at the roadside fence.
 Not create a distraction. For example, not be placed on a sharp bend, not be illuminated or contain
fluorescent materials
 Be made of frangible material

Consideration must be given to nearby residents when choosing a roadside tribute location. Issues can include
(but are not limited to):

 Access to the property

 Visual impact and
 The wishes of property owners who may have been first at the scene and are dealing with trauma issues
as a result.

6. Removal
In the event that there are concerns regarding a roadside tribute, it can be removed by Council following advice
being provided to the person (applicant) placing the roadside tribute. These concerns may arise from Council
staff, other road authorities or may be as a result of representations from the public.

Authority for Council to remove articles placed on a public road is granted under the Roads Act 1993. The process
for removal is generally as follows:

a. Concerns are considered and a recommendation for removal is prepared for approval by the General
Manager, provided either of the following criteria are met:

 The size, material or location of the memorial or tribute has the potential to cause adverse road
safety impact; or
 Deterioration of the tribute indicates that it may no longer be maintained and may soon pose a
roadside hazard.

b. If possible, the proposed removal is discussed with the applicant prior to removal.
c. Agreement is reached regarding the action to be taken and whether it should be done by Council or the
family.
d. If it is agreed that Council undertake the removal, Council staff will attempt to return the items to the
Applicant or landfill as requested by the Applicant.
e. In undertaking removal, Council staff and/or contractors will show respect for the feelings of the
bereaved and
f. Every effort will be made to return any materials removed to the family in an appropriate manner, time,
and place, if requested to do so by the Applicant.

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Reference: Record Number Version No: Draft Page 4
7. Delegated authority
Authority to approve installation or removal, subject to the process identified in this statement, is delegated to
the General Manager.

8. Definitions
Roadside Tribute: A roadside tribute or memorial is any object constructed, erected or placed on the road or
within the road reserve to commemorate/indicate a road fatality. Roadside tributes or memorials may include
items such as wooden crosses, coloured posts, flowers with, or without plaques or inscriptions.

Urban area: Where there is infrastructure of built environment and a speed restriction in place under 80km’s per
hour.

9. References & Associated Documents

Nil

10. Further advice

Contact Council on (02) 6033 8999 or email: council@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au

11. Policy History

Version Date Changes / Amendments

Developed for Federation Council

NOTE: This is a controlled document. If you are reading a printed copy please check that you have the latest
version by checking it on Councils Electronic Document system. Printed or downloaded versions of this document
are uncontrolled.

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