main content Fined for illegal banner

A well known gym and health club has been prosecuted for illegally attaching an advertising banner to railings at a pedestrian crossing in Southend Road, Beckenham. Fitness First pleaded guilty to the offence at Bromley Magistrates’ Court and were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1,215.

“It might seem like a heavy fine for a first offence, but it is important to deter companies from placing illegal advertising signs and banners on the street. Pedestrian railings are designed so that drivers can see through them and covering them causes major safety issues. A small child about to run out onto the road could easily be obscured from the driver’s view, for example” said Peter Turvey, Head of Street Environment.

The court heard that in April, a council enforcement officer found a banner attached to railings at a pedestrian crossing in Southend Road. The banner, located at a busy junction adjacent to Waitrose supermarket, measured 8ft wide by 3ft high and advertised Fitness First, a local gym and health club. As the company had been warned previously about placing illegal advertising signs on the street, legal action was taken.

To report illegal advertising banners or signs call the Street Services help desk on 020 8313 4621.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The case was heard at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 20th August 2008
• Fitness First were fined £1,000 with £200 costs and a £15 surcharge

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk 

Further information is available from Peter Turvey, Head of Street Environment on 020 8313 4901 or email peter.turvey@bromley.gov.uk