# Fury as council paints poppies ‘to be driven over’ – ’embarrassing and disrespectful’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/fury-as-council-paints-poppies-to-be-driven-over-embarrassing-and-disrespectful/
- Published: 2026-11-06T15:02:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T15:25:24+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Express (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2263910/fury-council-paints-poppies-to
- Topics: UK, World

## Key points

- Essex installed poppy decals on roads at 12 locations.
- Critics say driving over them is disrespectful.
- The council may expand the scheme next year.

## Summary

Essex County Council has installed large poppy decals on roads at 12 locations ahead of Remembrance Sunday, prompting criticism from residents who say vehicles driving over the symbols is disrespectful and distracting. The dispute matters because the council intended the markings as a public tribute, but their placement has divided opinion over how best to honour the war dead.

The decals were installed by contractor Ringway Jacobs near war memorials where remembrance services are planned. The council says the work accompanies repairs and cleaning at about 69 memorials across Essex, and is considering adding road poppies at more sites next year. Supporters argue that poppies growing through battlefield devastation give the road placement symbolic meaning.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.