Roadside memorials - Are they a nuisance?

Much as I love the idea of roadside memorials I can understand how they can be considered a nuisance to other road users. If they're neglected, vandalised or parts of them stolen they become an eyesore.

Sometimes, they are placed in areas that are not considered a public right of way and are erected with no permission granted from the relevant authority.

There are so many other private ways of mourning loved ones, most of which are free.

Thanks to e-pic for the main image.

Roadside memorials are moving tributes to our loved ones; they remind us of where they were killed, they keep us remembering, they give us somewhere to mourn them at the same time every year and they gives us an extra memorial to them aside from their graves.

But, are there alternatives to roadside memorials? Of course!

Consider these:
1 - Publish a tribute/memorial website for your loved one. You can either set up your own website or use one of these services: Gone too Soon, Remember Forever, much loved. - Most of these kinds of services are free but they may give you an option to upgrade to give you access to more features and services.

2 - Name a Rose after your loved one: Rose Names.- Your Rose Bush will be a constant reminder of your loved one.

3 - Register a memorial on the National Memorial Registry. Search the database for roadside memorial regulations of your country, state or city. Register for a free memorial dedication.

4 - Plant a tree or a shrub in memory of your loved one. Make sure you ask for permission first though. Life for a life

5 - Indoor Memorials.

6 - Erect a Bench in a Public Park with a plaque. Memorial Benches, 4 Memorial Bench

7 - A Garden Memorial. Somewhere private for you to grieve. Immortalise - Statues with Heart, Garden Memorials

9 - Publish a Squidoo Lens as an online tribute to your loved one. You can sign up here for FREE!

10 - Scatter your loved-ones ashes (only can be done if they were cremated) in a place that was important to them. Eternal Ascent Society

Additional Resources:

'Remember Me' Roadside Memorial Signs - A Sign of Loss. A Sign of Warning. A Sign of Hope?
Lasting Tribute

As far as I know, at this time, there are no national law or regulations controlling the use of Roadside Memorials.

It may be necessary to check with the local council in the borough that you wish the memorial to be placed. Each Council will have its own laws and regulations overseeing the prohibition or correct placing of Roadside Memorials.

If these are not in place, then permission is required from the owner of the land, fence or post that you wish to lay the memorial at. Do not just place it there and hope that it will be still there the next time you visit! Owners of land etc. are quite within their rights to remove obstructions from their property.

This would also apply internationally; check with the appropriate authorities before placing a Roadside Memorial.

Check and register with The National Memorial Registry for rules and regulations regarding Roadside Memorials in your State, County or Country. You will also be able to register a memorial of any kind in its database.