main content Carpetright is carpetwrong! Store fined for illicit signs

The Carpetright store in Orpington has been prosecuted for ‘wilfully obstructing the highway’ with their advertising boards. After pleading guilty at Bromley Magistrates Court last month, Carpetright was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1,300 for illegally placing four advertising boards on the grass verge near their store in Sevenoaks Way.

“Traders need to be aware that their seemingly innocuous advertising signs can compromise public safety. It is illegal and something we simply cannot allow. This type of advertising is confusing and a dangerous distraction for drivers. Hopefully, Carpetright will learn from this prosecution” said Councillor George Taylor, Executive Councillor for the Environment.

The Court heard that Carpetright had originally received a written warning about their advertising boards, in October last year. The Council’s Street Services Enforcement Team had found a board illegally positioned on the grass verge, adjacent to their store in Sevenoaks Way. Although Carpetright had been warned to remove the sign, a later inspection revealed four advertising boards displayed on the grass verge, prompting legal action to be taken against the store.

To report a highway obstruction or other street problem, call the Street Services Help Desk on: 020 8313 4621.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Carpetright have been convicted of the same offence on previous occasions:

• 26 May 1999 - fined £1,000 with £140 costs;
• 14 October 1998 - fined £600 with £140 costs;
• 16 October 1996 - fined £1,500 with £123 costs.

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 e-mail andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901.

Further information about Street Services is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/neatstreet.