Mind your biz: Council targets footpath signs
UNAUTHORISED signs are springing up across the Tweed and council rangers are struggling to cope.
According to a report presented to Tweed Shire councillors, one of the biggest problems was with commercial signs on road reserve.
"The most visible examples of unauthorised signage can be found in road reserves of major roads throughout the Tweed shire," the report stated.
Reader poll
Should the council target businesses putting signs out?
This poll ended on 15 December 2012.
Current Results
Yes
46%
No
53%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
"Despite council's policies not favouring, and often prohibiting these commercial forms of advertising in its public spaces, business proprietors recognise that high visual exposure provides an important business advantage."
According to the council, the areas were the worst offences occur are Tweed, Murwillumbah and Kingscliff.
"The enforcement of these unauthorised signs has become a particularly difficult and resource draining activity for council's rangers, as there are often repeat offenders, and any leniency or flexibility shown for one business operator, can often bring complaints from competitors or the general community," the report stated.
Councillor will vote at the next meeting on Thursday on whether the report could be used as a framework to update policies on signage across the shire.
