FAMILIES wishing to leave roadside tributes to loved ones will have to apply to Federation Council, with some restrictions, under a draft plan.
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The changes will be considered by councillors on Tuesday following issues at a fatal crash site in Howlong.
Under the proposal, installations will be banned from urban areas, public open spaces such as parks and gardens, riverside reserves, and recreation reserves.
The memorials would only be in place for six months.
Small crosses and coloured posts could be installed as long as they were no larger than 50 centimetres high and wide, and 30 centimetres into the ground.
Flowers would be allowed at the sites and the draft proposals, but the council would ban small items that pose a danger to wildlife.
Any memorials would have to be placed at least 10 metres from the edge of the road, or on roadside fences, and must not create a distraction to drivers.
Council staff note the wishes of people who live near the sites would also be taken into account.
“Consideration must be given to nearby residents when choosing a roadside tribute location,” the draft report notes.
“Issues can include … the wishes of these property owners who may have been first at the scene and are dealing with trauma issues as a result.”
The changes were drafted after a motorbike crash on Lowe Street in Howlong on July 19, and would only apply to local roads.
Billy Bolton crashed his motorbike into a Nissan Navara outside the driver’s house.
The 65-year-old driver was assaulted by Mr Bolton’s friend, Harley Turner, and his vehicle was stolen.
A memorial, which had included a Howlong Spiders jumper and other items, was removed from the crash scene last week.
A council spokesman recently told The Border Mail it was a “very sensitive issue for all stakeholders who are involved in it”.
Roads and Maritime Services already has guidelines for the roads it controls.
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