Curb On Leeds Illegal Posters

Hundreds of signs have been taken down as part of a crackdown on illegal advertising in Leeds.

Officers from Leeds City Council have taken down placards, banners and posters on council-owned road barriers, lampposts and signposts across the city.

In one day alone more than 400 adverts were confiscated.

ng on council street furniture - such as lampposts and signs - is not only illegal, it spoils the appearance of the streets and can cause hazards to drivers and pedestrians.

The council's Health and Environmental Action Service has served 194 notices under the Highways Act in the last 12 months on companies and individuals, requiring them to remove their signs within 48 hours.

Companies that persist in illegal advertising will be prosecuted by the council and can receive fines of ￡1,000.

Coun Tom Murray, Leeds City Council's executive board member for environmental services, said: "Illegal signs can be a blight on our city's streets, making streets look untidy and causing a distraction for drivers.

"Having to take down 400 signs in just one day shows the scale of the problem and we will continue to protect the public by tackling these signs.

"The trouble is that it is so easy for people to attach these signs, and once one person does it, many others follow.

"I appreciate that in these difficult times advertising is necessary for businesses, but we really do need to emphasise that lampposts are not free advertising hoardings.

"If you are thinking about using this type of advertising, don't - it could land you in court."

July 29, 2010