Clamping down on illegal advertising

Illegal outdoor advertising is a common sight throughout Roodepoort and surrounding areas and ranges from clinics advertising safe procedures to painters selling their skills.

These advertisements – placed on anything from lampposts to stop signs – do not only create a safety hazard; they cost the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) a lot of money in lost revenue annually.

In light of this, CoJ will be stepping up their efforts to curb illegal outdoor advertising and will be clamping down on offenders – especially big corporations and media owners – by instituting civil claims and laying charges against them. Their Outdoor Advertising Unit, in conjunction with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will be embarking on an educational drive to inform residents about the impact of illegal outdoor advertising in the public sphere.

Illegal outdoor advertising in Johannesburg has been classified as a serious crime and falls into the same category as building hijackings. The by-laws concerning outdoor advertising and billboards prohibit the erection of signs and billboards, and wrap advertising without permission from the CoJ.

An amendment to the by-laws that will help to eradicate the issue of illegal outdoor advertising is in the pipeline. The process is scheduled to be completed by the end of December and the new by-laws will be published early next year.

“The biggest challenge the City has with illegal outdoor advertising is that people and media owners erect signs without its approval.

The erection of signs in this manner creates a safety hazard for members of the public and it affects municipal infrastructure they are not monitored,” said Virgil James, the spokesperson for the CoJ.

CoJ has a long-standing relationship with the JMPD, which has a dedicated team of officers who assist in the enforcement of by-laws. “Residents are urged to report any illegal outdoor advertising to the JMPD. They can lodge a complaint with the director of by-law management. The department can be reached on 011 490 1630 or by email to mathokozakgaswane@joburg.org.za,” said Wayne Minaar, the spokesperson for the JMPD.

Everyone is urged to adhere to the advertising by-laws as they save the city’s infrastructure from accelerated wear-and-tear, as well as improving the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. They also serve to minimise clutter and ensure a peaceful co-existence between traffic and advertising signs.

To advertise legally, contact the Outdoor Advertising Unit on 011 407 6062 or email the operations manager, Jack Sekgobela, on jackse@joburg.org.za.

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