The Blairgowrie Community Association (BCA) removed illegal signage from lamp poles and power boxes on 18 October along Bram Fischer Drive and Hunter Street in Blairgowrie.
BCA member Brian Price said the association had done so because it allegedly reduces the number of vagrants in the area.
“We suspect there is a collaboration between the vagrants in Delta Park and Blairgowrie. By removing the signage, less vagrants hang around the area waiting for work,” said Price.
He said by removing vagrants from the area will reduce the crime rates.
Estate agent and BCA chairperson, Jed Kemery, said that removing illegal signage from the area shows that a community cares about the area and may send a message to would-be-criminals that this is a suburb in which the residents are more vigilant. A general reduction in crime results in increased property values and so it’s important that residents get involved and support these community initiatives.
Ward 117 Councillor Tim Truluck said he does not think that removing the signage there, will reduce vagrants or crime.
“I support the residents to take down these signs but I do not think it influences the number of vagrants or crime in the area but I personally remove these signs as it makes the area look neater,” he explained.
Councillor Trulluck also said sometimes these signs obscure stop signs which could be problematic.
JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said he supports the residents to remove the signs, “I support any effort made to make the environment more secure.”
According to the Outdoor Advertising By-Laws of the City of Johannesburg, street furniture advertisement means an advertisement displayed on any public facility or structure which is not primarily intended for advertising and includes a seating bench, plant box, sidewalk litter bin, pole-mounted litter bin, public transport shelter, sidewalk clock, suburban name sign and a street name and drinking fountain;
street light pole advertising sign means an advertising sign fixed to or erected on a street light pole which pole vests in the Council or its Municipal Owned Entity.
According to section 38, any advertising signage placed without permission of the Council or in contravention of the bylaws is considered illegal and subject to penalties.
For more information regarding these bylaws, visit the City’s website.
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