Views of the verge: Roadside Memorials and Local Government Policies

Abstract

When road deaths occur it is common for those who mourn to erect roadside memorials. This development challenges the traditional view of the verge as merely a peripheral space adjacent to the transit way. In response, some local government authorities have formally considered their position on roadside memorials and developed policies to regulate the erection, maintenance and removal of roadside memorials. This paper examines local council policies to detect trends, concerns and perceptions about the presence of roadside memorials in local government areas.