Don't Ignore The Signs

Proposed changes to rules for temporary advertising signs have been largely ignored by the public.

Manukau City Council has received only two submissions on its proposed Temporary Signs Bylaw. The public has until 28 July to have its say.

Environment and Urban Design Committee Chairman Noel Burnside says the lack of interest is disappointing and frustrating.

“If we don’t know what the public thinks about the rules they will become law and will be difficult to change.

“We often get complaints the council doesn’t listen. Now we are asking to hear from the public and no one’s got anything to say. If anyone wants to have an input into rules about signs that can often be visual pollution they should make a submission now,” Mr Burnside says.

Cr Burnside says across Manukau there are a large number of inappropriately located and sized temporary signs. Anecdotal evidence suggests they are increasing, he says.

“Temporary signs in some parts of the city are just visual pollution, cluttered real estate signs are a particular eyesore. We also see signs placed on footpaths that force pedestrians onto the road.”

The proposed bylaw applies to both private and public land. It will control the number, location, size, content and length of display of certain temporary signs.

For example, on a property for sale each agency would be allowed only one sign. A maximum of three real estate signs could be erected on each property.

Proposed changes to the temporary signs bylaw relate to:
• real estate – the sale or lease of buildings
• cultural, religious, community or sporting events
• land subdivision and development and construction projects
• elections and polls.
• general portable advertising and information signs with the exception of sandwich boards.

Controls on sandwich boards are not part of this review. They will be publicly notified in 2007 with proposed controls on the display of goods, tables and chairs on footpaths.

Submissions should be sent to Manukau City Council, Attention Mohammed Hassan, City Environment Manager, Private Bag 76917, Manukau by the closing date of 4pm on Friday 28 July 2006.

The public can review the proposed bylaw changes by requesting a summary document or a full copy of the bylaw changes from:

• the Manukau City Council Customer Services Centre Kotuku House, Manukau Square
• any Manukau City Council library
• The council's website at www.manukau.govt.nz/bylaws.htm or
• contact Council's Call Centre on 262 5104.

ENDS

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