Taking action over signs

Oversized banners and unauthorised signs can be a blot on the landscape and cause a distraction to road users.

In Hertsmere the issue is taken seriously and the council is warning businesses that it will take action.

Cllr Hannah David, planning portfolio holder, explained: "In many towns up and down the country you can see the streets littered with different advertising and promotional signs and boards.

“In Hertsmere we try to limit this in a bid to continue making it a pleasant place to live and work and so do take action against those who display unauthorised items."

Under section 225 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 the council has the power to take people to court if they do not comply.

“We do try to work with people and give them opportunities to remove any unauthorised signs, but sometimes court is the only option that remains in order to get rid of the problem," continued Cllr David.

“We appreciate that some people don’t realise that they need permission for such signs, but ultimately it’s about keeping Hertsmere special."

At court recently four cases were held which related to unauthorised displays and resulted in fines totalling £1700 with Hertsmere borough Council being awarded its costs of a further £1770.