A business that advertised for HGV drivers by erecting advert boards on lamposts in the West Wiltshire Trading Estate in Westbury, has become the first to face Wiltshire's increased fixed penalty notice (FPN) for fly-posting.

The business, which cannot be named as FPNs are not a court conviction, was issued with the fine after officers from the council's Environmental Enforcement Team discovered the signs on lampposts during a routine site visit.

Adverts erected on the public highway or attached to street furniture, such as lampposts or road traffic signs, require permission from Wiltshire Council. Advertising for events or businesses may only be erected with the consent of the property owner of occupier.

It is an offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980.

The council increased the penalty fine in September last year in a bid to combat the issue following complaints from communities suffering repeated incidents of fly-posting.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, said: We take fly-posting seriously. It is unsightly and it spoils the beautiful landscapes and scenery that we have in Wiltshire. This is why we've increased our enforcement action and the fixed penalty notice amount.

Our officers take a commonsense approach when dealing with people or companies who have put up their advertising in this way, and in most cases we will just ask them to remove the advert. However, as this particular company had previously been warned about their adverts and had continued with their illegal approach, officers had no choice but to remove the signs and issue them with the £500 FPN.

We also know that there are some community groups and town and parish councils who are keen to showcase their events, such as fetes or fayres, by advertising on council land. We are happy to work with them prior to the event to obtain the required approvals, but we would ask for at least four weeks' notice. 

Applicants will need to state the reason for the signage, its location, how long it will be in place for, and the types of signage to be used, so the application can be considered. 

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