Firms given warning over putting illegal advertising A-boards at roadside
Businesses trying to attract trade are being ordered not to put out illegal advertising A-boards.
But some companies near Market Weighton say East Riding Council is being heavy-handed and unfair in the way it imposes the policy.
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Kevin Sissons, director of K&A Bathrooms, at Brookfield Business Park, Shiptonthorpe, is angry about having to move his signs.
K & A Bathrooms, at Brookfield Business Park, Clay Lane, Shiptonthorpe, has accused the authority of turning a blind eye in some places, while it follows the letter of the law in others.
Partner Kevin Sissons, 44, said: "We're a new business, we'd seen signs up in Market Weighton and other places.
"We put our sign out next to York Road, now we've been threatened with prosecution. But we're on a little industrial estate that's not well known, without that sign we're really struggling.
"The enforcement officer said signs were tolerable in town. But I was a special constable for 25 years; if the rule's black and white then it's black and white.
"Even though we'd had a warning we put the sign out again over the Bank Holiday and now it's been taken."
John Skidmore, head of Streetscene services at East Riding Council, said: "Enforcement officers have not removed K&A Bathroom's advertising board, but the company has been asked twice to remove it from verges on the York Road, Market Weighton, as this can cause distraction to drivers and is illegal under section 149 of the Highways Act 1980.
"The council removes illegal signs and advertising from the public highway which includes verges, street furniture, roundabouts and junctions, particularly in areas that are deemed unsafe and may cause obstruction or distraction.
"The council recognises that many businesses rely on advertisements, however signs within the highway or affixed to street furniture are illegal and a balance has to be applied to avoid unnecessary street clutter."
Further along York Road, animal charity Caring for Cats was also told to remove its advertising board.
Charity volunteer Steve Marshall, 36, said: "I think they're being unfair. I can't see it's a hazard, it's a straight stretch of road.
"Without a sign by the road we are hard to find."
5 Comments
by Mrs Warrener, South Cave
Thursday, September 09 2010, 6:10PM
“There are advertising boards everywhere, but I assuming because these are paid for they are not causing a "distraction", so what harm are a few on the side of the road! Give the small businesses a chance! If its a respectable sign, let them advertise. The Government are trying to encourage small businesses, yet the Council jobsworths seem intent on ruining them! Advertising in this way should be acceptable. I would hardly call it "clutter" Mr Nicholson! If someone is a good driver, such distractions shouldn't bother them!”
by John Nicholson, Beverley
Thursday, September 09 2010, 11:00AM
“It is Government policy to get rid of clutter along our streets and highways. This surely includes all this unauthorised and seemingly illegal stuff. So the Council is quite right. If you don't like it complain to your local MP about Government policy!
By the way what about all that stuff that has appeared in the past week or two around the B1230 / A 1034 junction near North & South Cave? Just the sort of distraction a driver can do without!”
by Arthur Foxache, In despair
Thursday, September 09 2010, 10:27AM
“Haven't these council workers got anything better to do?
Hopefully when it comes to redundancies this sort of behaviour will be taken into account.”
by ADAM, ,
Thursday, September 09 2010, 9:06AM
“it all boils down to money pay the council loads of money you can put what you like up?”
by Me, Hull
Thursday, September 09 2010, 8:54AM
“Is it me or are councils focusing on the petty things - satellite dishes, advertising boards.
Get a life!!”