The City of Ekurhuleni says it is losing about R10m in potential revenue due to illegal outdoor advertising, a figure revealed as MMC for City Planning and Real Estate Nomadlozi Nkosi led a by-law enforcement blitz in Boksburg on February 13.

The city has not yet responded to questions from this publication on how the revenue loss was calculated, how many illegal billboards are currently in operation, how long they have been standing without enforcement, and whether compliance notices were issued to owners prior to enforcement action.

According to the metro, the blitz on Kingfisher Avenue and Trichardts Road in Sunward Park involved the removal and defacing of advertisements erected in contravention of the city’s outdoor advertising by-laws.

Nkosi urged advertisers to verify the compliance status of any billboard before using it for advertising purposes.

“The city invites potential participants in outdoor advertising to submit applications for technical compliance approval prior to erecting advertising signs, as prescribed by the city’s by-laws for outdoor advertising,” she said.

Owners of existing advertising signs have also been advised to ensure the legality of their advertisements by contacting the municipality.

Applicable bylaws and relevant application forms are available on the city’s website. Alternatively, applicants may contact the city directly for guidance on the compliance process.

ALSO READ: EMPD come down on illegal advertisers

ALSO READ: Keeping up with council