Roadside crash shrines restricted

The council said shrines at accident sites have become too ornate

A council is to limit the scale of roadside shrines to victims of fatal accidents after claiming some can be a distraction to other drivers.

Milton Keynes Council imposed the order because some shrines are elaborate and look as if they were permanent.

The monuments, which are growing in popularity, mark the spot where a loved one has died.

The council said they were a dangerous distraction that could cause further accidents so new ones will be removed.

Existing shrines will not be removed but any set up in future will be taken away.

Councillor Graham Mabbutt said: "They can be a distraction to drivers because some of the structures are rather large and very ornate.

"We are hoping people will opt in future for something smaller and more discreet."

The council is backing the "Remember Me" campaign where sites will be marked with a simple poster.