‘Billboardview’ becomes an eyesore
"I don't understand why they thought we needed so many billboards in and around one suburb."
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) said it gave permission for billboards to be put up along major highways around Bedfordview.
This despite its municipal bylaws stating that advertising on bridges will not be allowed over any national or provincial roads.
The EMM’s spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe, said the EMM gave permission in terms of the provisions of the Ekurhuleni Police Services Bylaws (2003), reading together with regulation 5 of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (known as regulation 2000).
Residents and motorists have expressed disappointment at the EMM for allowing the structures to be put up for the purpose of outdoor advertising.
“I don’t understand why they thought we needed so many billboards in and around one suburb. It’s as if we go to bed and wake up to find a new billboard in our neighbourhood. It is also destroying our trees and that is wrong,” said one resident, who did not want to be named.
The South African Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has also objected to the EMM’s approval of the billboards to be put up.
The NEWS is in possession of a document by SANRAL, objecting to the billboards.
“SANRAL is concerned about the approvals that were granted by the EMM City Planning (department) to two companies to put up structures for the purpose of displaying outdoor advertisements on the bridges that are anchored within the national road reserve and are owned by SANRAL,” read the document.
The agency has since called on the EMM to withdraw the 16 approvals granted for billboards to be put up.
It said in the document, “It is clear that the EMM, in granting these approvals, is in contravention of its bylaws. SANRAL hereby requires the municipality to withdraw the approvals granted on SANRAL-owned bridges. The council must instruct the advertising company to remove these structures as well as advertising signs and make good the damage caused to the bridge structure within 30 days from the date of this communication.”
The ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys, said Bedfordview is for sale to the highest bidder.
“And yet our very own EMM is doing the pimping. Every available corner and space is occupied by a super-billboard. EMM must show respect for its own bylaws,” said Clr Humphreys.
Mr Gadebe said, “The advertising signs put up on bridges are in accordance to the provisions of the Ekurhuleni Police Services bylaws (2003) Section 95 and regulation 5 of the SANRAL.
