In a written response to the Fourways Review, Nthatise Modingoane, City of Johannesburg spokesperson explained that the outdoor advertising and billboards bylaws clearly prohibited illegal billboards to be put up without the City’s permission.
Modingoane added that anyone wishing to secure rights for the erection of an advertising sign would be required to submit a request to the Johannesburg Property Company [JPC] who would advise on whether such a proposed site may be supported or not.
Despite this, countless businesses continue putting up advertising signs without following procedures.
Earlier this year, Douglasdale and Magaliessig residents complained of their areas being “littered” with illegal advertisements.
Mike Hogan of the Magaliessig Action Forum explained that the forum continuously removed illegal signage, in the area, particularly on Troupant Avenue and Sangster Road. “There is no use having bylaws in place and not enforcing them,” Hogan said.
He added that estate agents were usually the main culprits. “Many estate agents are permitted to place their boards during the weekends, however many times they leave their boards throughout the week.”
Hogan said that despite the boards being removed, many of them would be placed back within a couple of weeks.
Modingoane said companies found erecting or to have erected a sign illegally would be sent a notice of contravention to have the sign removed.
“A unit in the Metro police enforcing by-laws on outdoor advertising is mandated to issue fines in line with approved tariffs to the transgressor and may even impound working tools from the contractor on site,” he added.
Modigoane stated that the City was losing millions of rand every year to illegal outdoor advertising. “We are in the process of strengthening the City wide audit which was conducted previously by the JPC with the purpose of separating approved signs from illegally erected ones,” he concluded.
Details: 011 407 6062; nonomf@joburg.org.za
Also read:
Magaliessig residents urged to take part in security initiative
Bicycle thief arrested thanks to Magaliessig community
Do you think enough is being done to stop illegal advertising? Tweet @Fourways_Review with your comments
