Several businesses across Wiltshire have been issued £500 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) from Wiltshire Council for illegally placing advertising on public highways.
The council’s Enforcement Officers took action after repeated warnings were ignored by companies who had installed unauthorised signage on buildings, street furniture, and roadside verges—known as "fly-posting."
Fly-posting is classed as an offence under both the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Highways Act 1980, and it covers any promotional materials placed without the consent of the landowner or authority.
While Wiltshire Council does permit community advertising under certain conditions—providing permission is sought in advance—these recent incidents involved businesses that had failed to comply.
The penalties issued included:
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A company advertising on Coate Road and Windsor Drive in Devizes.
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A furniture retailer with signage at multiple sites across the county.
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A lettings agency with posters and boards fly-posted throughout Wiltshire.
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A building supplies firm with unauthorised signage in Chippenham.
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An events company advertising services around Trowbridge.
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An agricultural supplier with fly-posted signs in various rural locations.
Due to the nature of fixed penalty notices, which do not involve court convictions, the council is unable to name the businesses involved.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “Fly-posting is unsightly and detracts from the beauty of our Wiltshire landscapes, and it can also pose safety risks where the signs are distracting or obstructing visibility at road junctions.
“Our officers always aim to take a reasonable approach when dealing with people or companies who have put up their advertising in this way. Most of the time, we simply ask for the signage to be removed. However, when businesses repeatedly ignore warnings, we are left with no choice but to take formal action and issue fixed penalty notices.”
Wiltshire Council is encouraging all businesses to seek proper approval before displaying advertising materials.
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