A controversial banner urging drivers to “beep if you think Keir Starmer is a w**ker” was removed by police after continuous honking from passing motorists created what locals dubbed the “loudest dual carriageway in Britain.”
The provocative sign appeared on an overbridge along the A4 Portway in Bristol on Wednesday, accompanied by a second banner reading “Stop the boats,” prompting an immediate cacophony of car horns from the busy route into the city.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a patrolling officer was alerted to the two signs on Wednesday 20 August, though the force stated there were no official noise complaints registered with them.
A patrolling officer was alerted to two signs on overbridges on the busy A4 Portway on Wednesday 20 August,” an Avon and Somerset Police spokesman told reporters.
The incident sparked both amusement and frustration amongst Bristol residents, with the constant honking creating an unprecedented noise disturbance along the normally routine commuter route.
Local resident Mike Turner captured the mood of bewildered neighbours, commenting: “It’s louder than The Rolling Stones at the moment. I think it’s a sign!”
Another exasperated local wrote on social media: “Loudest dual carriageway in Britain,” as the persistent beeping continued throughout Wednesday afternoon.
The anti-Starmer banner appeared to strike a chord with passing motorists, who responded enthusiastically to the crude invitation, creating what witnesses described as an almost continuous wall of sound.
Police confirmed they received one call alerting them to the presence of the banners, though the force emphasised this was not registered as a formal noise complaint.
The second banner’s “Stop the boats” message referenced the contentious issue of Channel crossings, a topic that has dominated political discourse since Labour took power in July 2024.
Officers removed both banners after determining they posed a potential hazard to road users and were creating a public nuisance through the noise generated by responding motorists.
The A4 Portway serves as a major arterial route into Bristol, carrying thousands of vehicles daily between the M5 motorway and the city centre, making it an ideal location for maximum visibility.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding Prime Minister Starmer’s handling of various national issues, including immigration policy and civil liberties concerns.
Local authorities have powers to address noise nuisances under environmental health legislation, though this case fell to police due to the highway safety implications of the overbridge banners.
Bristol City Council was not required to intervene as the matter was resolved by police before any formal noise complaints could be processed through official channels.
The removal of the banners appeared to restore normal traffic flow and noise levels to the area, much to the relief of nearby residents who had endured hours of continuous honking.
Social media reaction to the incident was mixed, with some praising the unknown banner creators for their political statement whilst others criticised the disruption caused to local communities.
The identity of those responsible for erecting the banners remains unknown, with police confirming no arrests were made in connection with the incident.
Highway regulations prohibit the display of unauthorised signs on bridges and infrastructure, particularly those that might distract drivers or create safety hazards.
The incident highlighted the creative lengths to which political protesters will go to make their voices heard, even if it means turning a dual carriageway into an impromptu orchestra of car horns.
Avon and Somerset Police reminded the public that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, it must be conducted within the law and without causing undue disruption to others.
The force declined to comment on whether any investigation would follow regarding who placed the banners, stating only that the immediate priority was removing the hazard.
Local traffic reports indicated no significant delays were caused by the incident, despite the unusual acoustic atmosphere created by the responding motorists.
The episode added Bristol to a growing list of locations where unconventional protests have captured public attention through viral moments and creative messaging.
As calm returned to the A4 Portway, residents reflected on an afternoon when their normally unremarkable stretch of dual carriageway briefly became the unlikely centre of political expression.
The incident served as a reminder that in an age of social media and instant communication, even the simplest banner can create waves far beyond its immediate location.
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