What is fly posting?

Fly posting is when posters, signs or other advertising materials are displayed without the permission of the landowner.

This can include posters attached to:

  • Buildings
  • Street furniture
  • Railings
  • Road signs
  • Grass verges
  • Other public spaces

What does the council do?

The council is responsible for removing fly posting from public buildings and street furniture.

Where unauthorised signs are displayed, we may:

  • Require them to be removed within 48 hours.
  • Issue a fixed penalty notice of £80 for each sign.
  • Remove the signs and recover the costs from those responsible.

We recognise that signs are often used to promote charity, community and fundraising events, and we aim to take a practical and supportive approach where appropriate.

Fly posting on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

Banners and bunting

If you want to put up banners or bunting over or alongside a highway, you must get permission from Hampshire County Council, which is the local highways authority.

Any banners or bunting must also comply with planning and advertising regulations.

Guidance for event signs and advertisements

If you are promoting a local event, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

  • Put signs up no more than 21 days before the event.
  • Do not cover, block or interfere with existing road signs or other signage.
  • Keep the number of signs to a reasonable level, usually between 5 and 10.
  • Include contact details such as a telephone number or website so people can identify the organisation responsible.

Signs on private land

You can place signs on private land if you have the landowner's permission.

We recommend that signs:

  • Are displayed for no more than 21 days before an event.
  • Are removed as soon as possible after the event, ideally within 48 hours.

Removing signs after an event

If a sign is considered acceptable, we expect it, along with any cable ties, string or fixings, to be removed within 48 hours of the event ending.

All signs must be removed within 14 days of the event.

If signs remain after this time, we may:

  • Issue an £80 fixed penalty notice for each sign.
  • Remove the signs and recover the costs from the person, organisation or company responsible.

Unacceptable signs

If we consider a sign to be inappropriate or unauthorised, the person or organisation responsible will normally be given 48 hours to remove it.

If it is not removed within that period, we may:

  • Issue an £80 fixed penalty notice for each sign.
  • Remove the sign and recover the costs of removal.

Any signs removed by the council may be disposed of. The council is not responsible for storing, returning or repairing removed signs.

A-boards

Advertising boards placed on pavements (often known as A-boards) are regulated by Hampshire County Council.

For advice about A-boards, please contact Hampshire County Council directly.