Billboard pirates beware

The municipality has issued a stern warning to outdoor advertising companies, advertising agencies and their clients after winning a court case against a company for erecting a billboard illegally in south Durban.

The Durban High Court has ordered Outdoor Africa of Garsfontein, Gauteng to remove the illegal structure. The company will also have to pay thousands of rands in legal fees accrued since the case began in 2006.

Outdoor Africa erected the billboard on a residential property at 5 Jasper Place, Merewent, in 2005, without making any attempt to comply with the law.

The display of advertising on property zoned residential is prohibited.

The Council's Development and Planning Department approached the High Court after attempts to get the advertising company tp remove the strucure proved unsuccessful.

"The erection of illegal structures cannot be condoned," said Benjamin Ramnarin, the department's Enforcement Officer.

"There are safety concerns like structural elements, traffic safety in terms of distraction and health aspects where the structure has an impact on the neighbouring property owners, like wind noise.

"This can only be quantified by having the application submitted to the authorities and by getting professional assessment."

City Manager Michael Sutcliffe said other companies could soon be in the same boat. "The Council is in litigation with a number of companies that have flouted the legislation and legal actions are at an advanced stage.

"The municipality intends to ensure that there is total compliance."

He said it was unfair on law abiding companies that law breakers made a "fortune".

"In this case I saw them erecting the billboard but we have had to go through a long court process to ensure it was removed.

"I believe we must get the power to immediately remove any advertising or billboards which are out up illegally.

"In addition, we will be targeting companies which place adverts on these illegal billboards and will also not allow companies who flout the law to do business in the city," said Sutcliffe.

He said the Council would report offending companies to the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Companies wishing to erect billboards and signage of any kind are urged to contact the signage unit at the Development Management Department on 031 311 7059.

by Sohana Singh, Ezasegagasini Metro, November 30, 2007