Residents concerned over signs
“When driving around the area, I have seen many 'for sale' boards in the area. Estate agencies that put up a lot of boards, and who place sign boards illegally, are doing a disservice to the residents of Bedfordview as it deters potential buyers who want to move into the area,” said the resident.
A Bedfordview resident has expressed her concerns about the numerous estate agent sign boards that have been put up in the Bedfordview area
The resident, who did not want to be named, also questioned the legality of the sign boards in question.
“When driving around the area, I have seen many ‘for sale’ boards in the area. Estate agencies that put up a lot of boards, and who place sign boards illegally, are doing a disservice to the residents of Bedfordview as it deters potential buyers who want to move into the area,” said the resident.
“I was asked by a potential buyer from overseas why there were so many for sale boards in the area. The infestation of agents’ boards detracts from Bedfordview being an upmarket area. It is wrong and agencies that put up sign boards should do so while adhering to the laws. Those who place sign boards illegally should be fined,” she added.
According to sales manager Diane Cross, “Estate agents pay a yearly subscription to the town council, which authorises them to place real estate sign boards in residential areas. We all have to abide by the same rules and regulations in order to ensure that suburbs are not littered with estate agents’ boards.”
“Property Listing Network (PLN) is a multi-listing company. There are 65 estate agencies in the area that are members of this company. The company monitors and assists in keeping the sign boards in check. Some estate agencies are, unfortunately, not members of the PLN and therefore the PLN has no way of monitoring them,” said Ms Cross.
“We are currently appealing to those companies that do not abide by the municipal bylaws to do so. Without the arm of the law behind, us there is very little we can do to persuade everyone to follow the same rules and regulations.” said Ms Cross.
In an effort to ensure that estate sign boards in the areas are regulated, the Ekurhuleni Roads and Storm Water outdoor advertising section said companies should adhere to the law and follow the correct requirements as laid out by the department.
In order to avoid issues such as litter and an excess of estate boards, the requirements also stipulate that all signs must be removed no later than three days after the completion of the sale. Anyone who does not adhere to the requirements for the licensing of estate agent signs will be liable to a fine.
