The policy, which applies only to urban roads, was unanimously ticked off by council yesterday with acting infrastructure and environment director Steve Carmichael agreeing the draft policy was a “sensitive issue” for all concerned.

“I’m sure whatever council decides I don’t ever think you will get consensus in the community,” he said.

“There will always be two sides on these types of issues.

“Different people react differently to certain situations so it is difficult.”

Mr Carmichael confirmed the NSW Roads and Maritime Services policy on roadside tributes had been used as a guide and the draft policy was formulated in response to a fatal crash in Howlong earlier this year.

Deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch and Cr Fred Longmire both spoke in support of the draft policy.

Cr Whitechurch said council staff also had to be taken into consideration when dealing with families who had lost members in tragic circumstances and the subsequent aftermath.

In the revised draft policy, tributes can remain in place for only three months.

Items permitted include 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 and flowers may be left at the location.

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.