City warns street pole advertising companies
Adreach is to remove its advertising and repair any damage to City property caused by said advertising boards within 90 days.
The City of Joburg has issued a final letter of demand to Street Pole Advertising (currently operating as Adreach) to remove all advertising from street poles across the length and breadth of the city.
The media release also mentioned that The Joburg Property Company issued a notice of termination of its memorandum of agreement with Adreach in February 2017. This notice also required Adreach to remove its advertising and repair any damage to City property caused by said advertising boards, within 90 days.
Allegedly, this notice has been ignored by Adreach, which has resulted in the City issuing a final letter of demand, giving the company 30 days to comply. Failure to comply will result in the City removing all street pole advertising and claiming the costs from Adreach.
According to the City of Joburg, the current administration acknowledges that Joburg is the only city in the country that has lost control of its outdoor advertising. This level of by-law flouting came about only as a result of the previous administration’s indifference. However, it is said that the challenge must be confronted and the wrongs put right.
The City aims to reduce the “clutter” in Joburg and re-introduce control and regulation in outdoor advertising. The present proliferation of all forms of outdoor advertising has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the value of advertising, brought about duopolies and worst of all, has made our city look tacky and unsightly.
It was also mentioned that Adreach is by no means the only offender – almost all outdoor companies are operating illegal signage and billboards to some extent. The City can only hope that these companies can accept that the days of anarchy have come to an end. Companies that are innovative and adaptable will not fear proper regulation.
In addition, the media release said that the City’s new by-laws regarding outdoor advertising will pass through council this month. Armed with a better legal framework, Joburg can manage advertising more effectively. The City is in full support of economic growth and entrepreneurial zeal, but it must be done legally.
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