City personnel shortage in fight against illegal advertising
Illegal billboards and outdoor adverts are on the city’s radar, but more manpower is needed to keep signs in check.
Following repeated concerns raised by Ward 94 councillor David Foley in Fourways, the City of Johannesburg has outlined its approach to monitoring and regulating illegal outdoor advertising structures.
Foley has been hell-bent on tackling the issue head-on, so much so, that he even caught people installing illegal adverts red-handed and reported them to the metro police. “Ward 94 says no to illegal signs,” he vows.
Read more: City says just two officers left to tackle illegal advertising chaos
Nthatisi Modingoane, speaking on behalf of the city, explained that monitoring is conducted through daily surveillance of public spaces and private properties. This is carried out by law enforcement officers within the Department of Development Planning, as well as the JMPD Outdoor Advertising Enforcement Unit. “It must be acknowledged, though, that more capacity, in terms of personnel, both within the department and JMPD, is necessary to be effective and efficient.
“Currently, the city outdoor advertising law enforcement team, supported by the JMPD Outdoor Advertising Unit, comprises only two officials to manage the entire span of the city. This is why the city is challenged in this area. This matter has been escalated and is receiving the required attention.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 94 David Foley talks about how his to stop illegal adverts in Fourways. #Ward94 #advertisment ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
When asked what steps are taken against those that impede the by-law, Modingoane said: “Within the ambit of the by-law, the city does litigate where possible. The city imposes rates penalties and, where possible, demolishes and removes illegal signs.”
Modingoane described the legal status of billboards along Witkoppen Road as a moving target. Approvals are issued for specific periods, and the status of a sign can change when approvals lapse, or when previously illegal signs are regularised following applications.
The city is planning an audit to establish the current status of outdoor advertising.
Foley said the city’s audit is most welcome, and will certainly assist with legality. “The big companies, like Fourways Mall, have said, where signs are illegal they would like to assist. Resources are a challenge, which is how the illegal sign erectors get away with it, but with the public notifying myself constantly, we will make a difference.”
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