Londoloza forced to remove illegal posters

RANDPARK RIDGE – Street pole posters along John Vorster Road and Drysdale Avenue are being removed because the security company and community leader who put them up, although well-meaning, did not get permission from the authorities.

Last week, Londoloza Protection Group put up A3 posters on roadside poles warning motorists of potholes and tall grass.

Related articles: Are you following advertising bylaws?

While many residents responded positively, others were less than enthusiastic. Londoloza was forced to remove all the posters. Londoloza director Lance Verster said, “It is difficult to do the right thing in the community. We are happy to follow the law as long as it is practised across the board fairly.”

Apparently, Londoloza has since then tried to apply for permits but hit a brick wall of unanswered emails and phone lines. The issue also expanded to Ward 126. Welview residents’ association chairperson, Tana Cope, has put up Londoloza posters above the street camera poles, which are 4m high. The posters are sponsored by the association’s members.

You can also read: Take down the illegal advertising boards

Cope explained how on 31 January they were called by Metro police, who threatened them with arrest if she did not take the signs down.

“I understand that I did not follow the correct procedure and I am in the process of applying for the correct permits, but the way it was handled was completely unnecessary and aggressive,” said Cope.

Since then Cope has had many phone calls from residents wondering if the cameras were still operational. “I have had to reassure people who had called that the cameras were still functional. What worries me is that if residents think this, the criminals will think it, too.”

According to Cope, since cameras were installed in the area crime has decreased. Londoloza’s Ryan le Roux said, “While I understand that posters don’t stop criminals in their tracks, [they do] let them know that we are [present] in the area.”

Metro police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, said, “Informing of the bylaws in managed by the outdoor advertising unit. Items can be confiscated and a fine can be given. No arrest can be made, unless a person is obstructing officers in execution of their duty.”

Ward 126 councillor, David Brand, said, “As long as they submit the applications, then they should be approved. This coincides with Metro’s cracking down on illegal advertising.”

“I think the pothole and grass posters may be perceived as a good thing for the community, but ultimately if [they] distract someone while they are driving, then [they are] a hazard, and that is why there are bylaws about it.”

“Our job is to serve the residents of Joburg, not to alienate them. We should not be threatening residents with things like arrests, especially when it is not in their power to do so, in line with the outdoor advertising bylaws.”

Are there any posters or advertisements in your suburb that you suspect are illegal? Let us know by posting on our timeline Randburg Sun.