main content Company fined for carpeting road

A company has been prosecuted for obstructing the road and grass verge with carpet and advertising signs outside their premises in Cray Avenue, St Mary Cray.  May’s Carpets sent a written guilty plea to Bromley Magistrates’ Court last month admitting the offence and was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £700.

“Our roads should be covered in asphalt – not shag pile!” said Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager. “Businesses must not use the street as an extension of their showroom. Displaying sale boards, carpet or any other item on public highway is illegal and potentially dangerous – they obstruct pedestrians, distract drivers and spoil our clean and green street scene.”

The court heard that during a routine inspection in March, a council enforcement officer had spotted an advertising board illegally placed on the grass verge outside May’s Carpets. A warning letter was sent to the company advising of the offence and requesting immediate removal of the board. A subsequent inspection revealed two ‘sale’ signs on the grass verge along with a roll of carpet on a display stand with an advertising banner, placed on the road.

In prosecuting, Magistrates’ made reference to the company having been warned about the offence only the month before but not taking notice. They also stated that companies need to get a clear understanding that this type of practice cannot be allowed.

To report an unauthorised sign or object on the highway, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/neatstreet or call the Street Services help desk on 020 8313 4621.

ENDS


Notes to editors:

• The case was heard at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 19th September 2007.
• The company was fined £500 with £200 costs.

For media enquiries:

Please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 e-mail andrew.rogers@bromely.gov.uk or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901.
Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk