Campaign billboard guidelines announced

In light of the general election looming at the end of April, the National Roads Authority and Planning Department have issued guidelines for the placement of political campaign signs and billboards, when they are placed in or by road intersections.

They have advised that political signs must not be bigger than 128 sq. ft in size and are subject to certain restrictions. On straight sections of road, no political sign bigger than 24 inches in height can be closer than 10 ft to the closest edge of the road pavement or concrete curb.

Political signs less than 24 inches in height cannot be closer than 5 ft to the edge of the road pavement or concrete curb.

On road bends, no political sign/billboard bigger than 24 inches in height can be closer than 30 ft to the closest edge of the road pavement or concrete curb on any road bend. At intersections, no political sign/billboard bigger than 24 inches in height can be closer than thirty 30 ft to the closest edge of the pavement or curb of two or more intersecting streets.

With regard to public road medians, political signs/billboards of any size or height cannot be placed anywhere within a public road median. This measure is being implemented to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians during the upcoming election season. The NRA noted that placement of signs and billboards that obscure driver sight lines along roadsides and at intersections creates potentially hazardous situations. Additionally, signs placed in medians pose a danger to individuals as they distract motorists whilst driving and increase the potential for severe collisions (especially on roadways with higher speed limits).

The Planning Department or the NRA may order the removal or relocation of any political sign that may constitute a hazard to the public.