Business Fined for Flyposting

A BUSINESS has been fined for illegally flyposting across both Caversham and Southcote, following successful action by the Council.

Earlier this year, Reading Council’s planning enforcement team received several reports of signs by ResinPrint Drives Ltd which had sprung up in both areas advertising a range of driveway work.

The Council’s team swiftly contacted the company, based in South Wales, warning that it needed to remove all the signage or face prosecution. Unfortunately, the company chose to ignore the Council’s request which resulted in the Council taking the case to court pursuant to s224 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.

The company chose not to attend the hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on 11 July, which meant the case was heard in its absence. After hearing evidence provided by Council officers, magistrates fined the company £500, ordered it to pay the surcharge of £200 and prosecution costs of £2,175. This sum is to be paid within 28 days.

Cllr Micky Leng, Reading Council’s Lead Councillor for Planning, said:

“It’s unfortunate some companies, including this one, revert to unauthorised flyposting which make local communities look messy and uncared for.

“I’d like to thank the residents who took the time to report the flyposting to our planning enforcement team and would encourage other communities to do the same if they spot similar signage which clutters up our street and can hinder sightlines for road users, posing a potential danger to all.

“Residents can report flyposting at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-enforcement/report-a-planning-breach/”

Three further advertisements for ResinPrint Drives have since been observed at the bottom of London Road and Shepherds House Lane. The planning enforcement team will continue to monitor and, where applicable, bring further proceedings.