lllegal signs litter Durban North’s poles

YOU can’t walk or drive anywhere in Durban North without seeing dozens of illegal signs advertising tree felling, roofing and other services, placed on traffic lights, street poles and even on pavements on main roads in the area. In just one week, Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, took down more than 30 signs in the area. What’s more, the illegal business advertisers are taking down existing signs and using the back of the cardboard to promote their businesses.

“What is worrying is the new trend of illegal advertisers taking down signs and using the back of them to advertise their own business. I’ve received a steady flow of complaints from residents in the area who complain that the signs are an eyesore,” said Ryley.

“Moreover, the illegal advertisers are prejudicing legitimate businesses. The municipality should be taking down the signs and fining those who are advertising illegally. So many of them are easy to spot, because they are either painted or spray-painted. The legitimate posters have a sticker with the municipality’s logo on it.”

Ryley said that supporting the illegal businesses could have dire consequences for residents.

“It’s been well-documented, in the case of tree fellers, that the men providing the services are not qualified, nor have they any safety equipment. It could end up backfiring on residents as well as the illegal advertisers themselves,” he said.

Ryley added that he would keep pulling illegal signs down until the municipality acted.