Wiltshire Council to reassess event signage rules amid criticism
Concerns raised over clarity and enforcement of advertising guidelines
Wiltshire Council is set to review its temporary event signage policy following criticisms of confusing rules and inconsistent enforcement affecting community advertising.
The decision came at a full council meeting on 20th October, where councillors agreed to scrutinize the policy changes implemented just over a year ago.
Councillor Allison Bucknell, who championed the issue, noted persistent complaints from constituents regarding inadequate guidance and disproportionate impacts on groups like travelling circuses, which rely on roadside advertisements.
Concerns were also highlighted about the removal of properly invested reusable signs benefiting charities, contrasting with unsightly flyposting by other operators.
Supporters of the review, such as Councillor Jane Davies, emphasized the need for allowing legitimate business signage to avoid unintended consequences of unauthorized paper posters littering public spaces.
The motion calls for clearer guidelines to prevent unsightly advertising while simplifying systems for event organizers without compromising highway safety.
Additionally, it seeks consistent enforcement and a distinction between community advertising and commercial flyposting.
Responding, Councillor Martin Smith noted that recent policy changes had aimed to allow community signage, yet concerns and practical issues necessitated further examination.
The issue will be sent directly to scrutiny, bypassing further debate in the chamber.
The council's move aims to strike a balance between effective advertising regulations and maintaining local aesthetics.