A traffic sign in Melrose that displayed the phrase, “The safety of all lives matter,” has been removed and city officials have apologized.

Mayor Paul Brodeur posted a photo of the sign on Facebook Wednesday, noting that he’d just learned of the sign, which was situated on Main Street.

“I have ordered that it be taken down immediately and am taking steps to find out how this happened,” he said in the post. “I apologize to the residents of Melrose.”

Police Chief Michael Lyle noted that “all lives matter” “is commonly used as a misguided counter to the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Lyle said a traffic officer was asked to update the sign from one about illegal fireworks to “a more general traffic safety message.” The updated message began by asking drivers to follow the speed limit then ended with the phrase in question.

Lyle is investigating, he said, and will make the investigation public once complete.

“Preliminarily, the officer reported to me that he did not post the message with either malicious or political intent,” he said. “The officer, by his account, was trying to type a traffic safety message in the limited space offered by the electronic sign and did not realize the totality or impact of the words he had posted. Nonetheless, I will conduct a full and thorough investigation.”

Lyle apologized, noting that all messages displayed on electronic traffic signs going forward will need to be approved by his office first.

“On behalf of the Melrose Police Department, I sincerely apologize to our residents and anyone who drove past the sign today,” he said.