City takes a strong stance on illegal advertising signs
JOBURG – The City of Joburg has estimated that around 90 per cent of advertising signs in the city do not have the written or required the approval of the City in terms of the by-laws and are therefore deemed to be illegal.
MMC for Economic Development, councillor Leah Knott and MMC for Development Planning, councillor Reuben Masango are taking a tough stance on illegal advertising and will be working together with ward councillors, the outdoor advertising industry and other stakeholders to stop the scourge.
The City of Johannesburg has estimated that around 90 per cent of advertising signs in the city do not have the written or required approval of the City in terms of the by-laws and are therefore deemed to be illegal.
In the statement, the councillors said they are becoming increasingly aware of efforts by media owners to erect advertising signs on both public and private land without the council’s approval, as required in terms of the 2009 Outdoor Advertising By-laws.
The statement said, “Both Development Planning and Economic Development (through the Joburg Property Company) undertook site inspections to collate information on the said signs. This is after the council approved a 36-month transitional period on 14 March 2019.”
A public notice was issued by the City on the 1 August this year inviting all owners of any advertising signs on any land to declare it to the City by the 30 September this year, irrespective of its legality. The new by-laws have not been enforced as yet. The reason for a transition period, ‘was done in an effort to ensure that the sector is not disadvantaged while the new by-laws are suspended due to litigation’.
Currently, the City has embarked on a process of amending its 2009 Outdoor Advertising By-laws. The key amendments include improving both the assessment of applications and to improve the law enforcement process. The proposed amendments to the Bylaws will allow the City to take action against offenders where they have erected a sign without the Council’s approval.
Some illegally erected advertising structures are not branded which makes it difficult to identify the owners, “The City is tracing these faceless companies that are hindering efforts to restore law and order in the sector. This will be done through a structured period to phase out illegality from the sector in collaboration with law-abiding media owners,” the statement concluded.
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https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/232622/citys-move-to-curb-illegal-outdoor-advertising/
https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/234389/joburgs-outdoor-advertising-law-locked-legal-battle/
