Man fined by court for fly-posting

A MAN has been fined £200 for fly-posting at Cross Hands Business Park.

He was also ordered to pay £176.44 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge by Carmarthen magistrates.

Donald Thomas, aged 61, of Heol Y Wern, Neath, was convicted in absence to an offence contrary to Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980.

The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.

The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in Cross Hands Business Park on July 19 this year when they saw a man fixing a poster to a fence.

The officers approached the man, explained what they had seen and that it was an offence to place posters without getting permission from the council.

He was issued with a fixed penalty notice but failed to pay it, despite being sent a reminder letter.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said he hoped this case would help to raise awareness that fly-posting is a criminal offence.

The council has a fly-posting policy in place to help keep the county tidy, to stop unfair advertising and to try and prevent potential road accidents.

Exceptions will be made for some not-for-profit organisations, community groups and registered charities subject to certain terms and conditions.

Cllr Jones said: “Fly-posting is displaying adverts and other promotional materials without permission, for example, on buildings, lampposts, railings and litter bins, mainly by business that want free advertising.

“Not only do they make an area look untidy but if not removed the posters slowly rot, becoming even more unsightly and causing litter. They also have the potential to distract motorists causing road traffic collisions.”

For further information visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk or contact Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567. Leaflets are also available in the council’s customer service centres.