And Planning bosses have also issued guidelines regarding outdoor advertising in a bid to cut down on illegal signs.
A Ministry of Home Affairs spokesman said: “We have received an increase in calls from the public expressing their concern regarding excessive signage around the Island — some going so far as to call it as ‘visual pollution’.
“As a result, we thought it would be helpful to remind the public and businesses of the legal regulations regarding sign advertising.”
The Ministry insisted that it was working in partnership with other Government departments such as Parks and Works & Engineering, to ensure that businesses and property owners are compliant with the law.
“First, the public should be aware that any advertising signs erected on land owned by the Bermuda Government and controlled by either the Department of Parks or the Department of Works & Engineering is not permitted and will be removed,” the spokesman said.
“The most immediate impact will be visible along East Broadway and other entrances into Hamilton, where it is now commonplace to see announcements of upcoming events.
“Advertising signs displayed on these strips of land will be removed by either a Parks or Works & Engineering crew.
“Second, the control of advertising signs incorrectly erected on private land will be addressed by the Department of Planning.
“This applies to free-standing signs, flutter flags, neon signs and oversized signs attached to buildings. “We encourage any business or any private land owner who is considering putting up outdoor signage and advertising, or wishes to check compliance of their existing signs, to visit the Department of Planning’s website to view the guidelines and the Act in its entirety.”
The Advertisements Regulation Act 1911 regulates the exhibition of outdoor signs and advertising, controlling the placement, content and certain design elements of signs. The Act prohibits certain types of advertising, such as signs that protrude above the roofline of a building or which are inner illuminated. Additionally, it restricts advertising to the land or building to which the sale or meeting or entertainment relates.
For more information regarding signage and advertising the public can visit www.planning.gov.bm.
