illegal billboards
Over 244 illegal billboards have been erected, most on public land
29.01.09 - 18:18 -
FACING FINES. Unsightly, unwelcome, unlicensed / J-LANZA
Marbella council has decided that actions speak louder than words in the battle against illegal roadside advertising. This week warnings have been issued to 90 firms, who now face fines of up to 3,000 euros and the removal of the offending signs.
In the majority of cases the companies do not have a licence for the signs and many infringe bylaws which prevent such signs being erected too close to a road. A large number are also situated on public land.
Should the companies not re-act to the warnings, the council will have the signs removed by their operatives and the company will be charged for these costs, as well as the fine. The council is working towards the removal of all unauthorised signage along the public roads and to manage those that have been authorised better and has put the responsibility for the work to a private operator to relieve pressure on the municipal services.
One of the cases dealt with, was the awarding, by the disgraced ex-mayor, Marisol Yagüe, of six contracts to the same company to install advertising hoardings at various points in the town. The council annulled the contracts and ordered the signs removed, but the company concerned challenged the action. However, after consideration by the Consultative Council of Andalucía, the council’s action was upheld.
