20 June 2000

Public Views Sought on Signs

Auckland City is to seek public comment before making any changes to the bylaws regarding signs.

The Planning and Regulatory Committee has examined a number of issues relating to signs including safety, size, location and visual amenity. Complaints are often made about the appropriateness of large signs in terms of size and location in relation to the surrounding environment.

A report which considers current difficulties and possible solutions will be sent to Community Boards, members of the signs industry and traffic and road safety groups for comment.

Once the community’s views have been received and the consultation with the industry completed, a consistent city-wide policy will be implemented.

There has been much public debate recently about placing billboards on motorway and pedestrian overbridges.

One of the suggestions is a registration system for billboards. Billboard owners would produce evidence of compliance with the bylaw, when applying for registration. It is hoped that the system would discourage illegal sign s since advertisers would be less likely to use them.

Signs bylaw improvement is consistent with a community vision of attractive urban design and a Council strategy to improve precincts and streetscapes to make the city more accessible and attractive.
“Although the Signs Bylaw was extensively revised in 1998 with stricter controls on billboards, it is unfortunate that it has not resulted in a reduction of non compliance and this further review has been necessary,” says committee chair, Cr Juliet Yates.

ENDS

For further information contact:
Planning and Regulatory Committee Chair, Cr Juliet Yates, tel 528 0581
Ref: LJ

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