DURING a question and answer session seeking clarity on the City of uMhlathuze’s outdoor advertising policies, it has emerged illegal advertisers will soon face fines for infringing bylaws.
While no indication was given regarding the severity of the fines or a date when implementation would commence, councils’ Outdoor Advertising officer Shernon Murray responded to some frequently asked questions on the issue of billboards and posters:
Q: How is outdoor advertising, i.e billboards and posters etc, regulated?
A: Council has an Outdoor Advertising Officer who implements the Advertising Bylaws by compliance, inspections and removals.
Q: What is the process to be followed when requesting permission from the City to put up a poster/billboard? Does this process differ when it comes to erecting for example a 30m tall billboard?
A: Billboards are regarded as street furniture which Council puts out on a tender basis to bring in income from use of Council land.
Q: Are their different regulations for suburban and business sectors?
A: Yes. In Council policy there are maximum, minimum and partial areas for advertising.
Q: What are the costs relating to an application and subsequent approval to erect said posters/billboards?
A: There are different prices depending on size as it is calculated in terms of square metres .
Q: What are the fines imposed by the City if an individual or business is found to be violating these processes?
A: At present it is removals of signs. Council is in the process of implementing the fine charges in the near future.
Q: What factors are taken into account by the City in each application?
A: Area, size, amount of signs, content and cost.
Q: How/who can an interested party contact if they wish to apply/complain about outdoor advertising in the City?
A: Shernon Murray, Councils Outdoor Advertising Officer on 035-9075401
