When it comes to advertising, visibility is key.
However, the Department of Development Planning and Human Settlements (DPHS) is clamping down on advertisers who do not comply with its by-laws.
The current policy was adopted by local council in 2015.
According to a formal response by DPHS, the Newcastle Outdoor Advertising By-laws 2014 was gazetted on January 21, 2016.
“Chapter 6 (23) deals with notice of compliance, removal, confiscation, destruction and related matters and (24) offences: a person in breach of policy is served with contravention notice.”
Should the offender not comply with these by-laws, the municipality is permitted to issue a fine, remove their signage or even escalate the matter to court.
DPHS officials stated regular inspections were also being undertaken.
“For example, the ground signs erected between Tugela High School and Amajuba Central Office were removed after the municipality engaged the land owner (KZN Public Works) on the illegality of the signs.”
DPHS inspectors also mark advertisements with stickers to identify them as legal.
Residents with complaints or concerns can visit the Town Planning Department, on the fourth floor of the Newcastle Tower Block, between 7.30am and 4pm.
Alternatively, contact Bheki Thusi or Oupa Radebe on 034 328 7600.
Upon investigation into the information supplied by DPHS, the Newcastle Advertiser inspected a series of outdoor advertisements in the CBD.
None bore any markings as municipality approved.
It is uncertain whether this is a matter of non-compliance by the advertisers, or if these advertisements are still to be earmarked by the department.
