main content Wake-up call for bed store

An advertising board for a bed sale placed illegally on the public highway has resulted in a further prosecution for an Orpington bed store. Convicted of obstructing the highway with their signs in January, Sleepright of Sevenoaks Way pleaded guilty to the offence by post. Bromley Magistrates’ Court ordered them to pay fines and costs totalling £915.

“As long as companies continue to disregard public safety and the law we will continue to prosecute them. They know that what they are doing is illegal and we can’t allow lives to be put at risk by signs that could potentially divert drivers’ attention and obstruct the public highway” said Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager.

The prosecution follows an inspection by a Council Enforcement Officer in November 2007, when a metal free-standing advertising sign was found displayed on the grass verge in Sevenoaks Way. Earlier inspections in June and July 2007 revealed similar signs illegally placed on the public highway outside the store. Consequently, Sleepright was convicted in January, paying fines and costs of £1,600.

Companies are advised to contact the Council if they wish to place directional signs on the highway, otherwise signs will be removed and legal action taken. For further information, visit our neat street pages.

To report an unauthorised advertising sign on the highway call the Street Services Help Desk on 020 8313 4621.


ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The case was heard at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 12th March 2008.
• Sleepright was ordered to pay a fine of £700 with costs of £200 and £15 surcharge.

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 83461 7670, email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk  or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901

Further information is available here.