Firms to be fined in crackdown on illegal placards
ABLITZ on illegal placards has been launched with hefty fines for businesses caught “disrespecting the environment.” Birmingham City Council sent warning letters to 35 businesses advertising without permission on the city’s street furniture, such as lampposts, since the start of July.
The crackdown is part of an ongoing engagement campaign to deliver “cleaner, greener, streets in Birmingham”.
Trading Standards officers collated the details of the offending operators, reminded them of the law and advised them to take down offending signs.
They could face a maximum fine of £2,500 for individuals or £20,000 for organisations. “Placarding is a plague upon our communities here in Birmingham and causes damage to street furniture,” said councillor John O’Shea, the cabinet member for street scene and parks at Birmingham City Council.
“It is also littering our street scene and is providing those that do it with an unfair advantage over those who pay to advertise their products and services lawfully.
“We are also concerned that some unscrupulous businesses may use this type of advertising to hide behind an unregistered telephone number.
“When we carry out operations like this, we are willing to give businesses a chance to reform their ways – the trading conditions are tough because of the coronavirus pandemic and we will support business, but once a firm is on our radar acting illegally, there will be no second chance if they are caught disrespecting our environment.”
It is urging people to report any concerns in relation to placards or flyposting.