In response to City of Ekurhuleni’s statements regarding the approval of the Smith Road billboard, Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said although it has been approved, it is not compliant.
The NEWS previously reported that CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the billboard, which led to the latest flood of complaints from residents and Humphreys, was approved on May 28 this year, subject to certain conditions.
Humphreys has since started a petition against the billboard problem in Bedfordview.
The petition is to “remove advertisement boards and signage that are not approved and contravene the by-laws”.
Also read: New billboard sparks anger in community
“It is unacceptable that the outdoor advertising department continues to approve billboards that clutter the streets and distract drivers. The department refuses to remove boards and signage that are not approved in accordance with the by-laws,” said Humphreys.
The petition is estimated to have 100 signatures.
“I accept that the billboard on Smith Road has been approved, but I am questioning why it has been approved,” said Humphreys.
She said too many billboards that are illegal have been left.
“There are two illegal boards, not 50m away from where the Smith Road board has been erected. Billboards are meant to be 250m apart. It is unacceptable that there is absolutely no effort to remove these,” said Humphreys.
Also read: “Billboards can’t be blamed for poor driving” – resident
She said that the new Smith Road billboard is on a median that is too narrow in terms of the by-laws.
“The conditions included the structure will not be erected until the lease agreement has been entered into between the applicant and CoE,” Gadebe previously commented.
“Approval was subject to the conditions being adhered to within six months from date of receipt of letter of approval. Failing compliance would have resulted in the lapse of approval unless the applicant applied for extension of which extension would have been at the sole discretion of CoE,” said Gadebe.
