City announces new outdoor advertising by-laws
The by-laws will make it easier for the City to deal with the abundance of illegal advertisements within Johannesburg.
The City of Johannesburg recently announced its new by-laws applicable to outdoor advertising. The City aims to reduce the number of illegal signs around Johannesburg, and help the advertising industry realise maximum value on approved signs.
In a recent media statement, the Department of Development Planning expressed how pleased they are with the new by-laws.
According to the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, councillor Reuben Masango, many signs have been erected without any application being submitted to the City. These signs have created a safety hazard for the public and affected municipal infrastructure, as their installation could not always be monitored.
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Previously, the City regulated the industry by taking matters to court on each contravention as it was unable to remove illegal signs without a court order. This cost the City time and money that could be rechanneled to other services.
Section 28 of the by-laws will now give the City authority to remove any illegal or derelict signs and signs that may pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians without having to go to court. This includes signs on City-owned, public and private property.
“I am happy that in just a couple of months, the City will be able to demonstrate, once again, its commitment to having a city where compliance with its by-laws is the order of the day.
Additionally, the by-laws will make it easier for the City to deal with the abundance of illegal advertisements within Johannesburg. They not only create clutter, but contribute to the loss of much-needed revenue for the City,” said Masango.
He added that complying with by-laws enables the immediate communities to be active citizens, who can work with the City to minimise clutter and ensure the co-existence of road traffic signs and advertising signs.
Masango further extended his gratitude to all officials, and internal and external stakeholders that have been involved in the process from the initial review of the by-laws, to the approval of the final draft.
Aspiring advertisers are encouraged to approach the City’s Outdoor Advertising Unit, located on the 6th floor of the Metro Building in Braamfontein (158 Loveday Street). The Unit can also be contacted on 011 407 6062, or emailed on jackse@joburg.org.za (the Operations Manager, Jack Sekgobela). Members of the public can also approach and use the Unit’s services between 8am and 11am from Monday to Friday.
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