Advertising on public roads

The placement of advertising signs on a public road or land has the potential to cause a traffic safety hazard for vehicles or pedestrians. It is illegal to place advertising material within a public place or on a public road without prior approval from Council. Council generally does not grant consent for the placement of advertising material on public land or roads. Traffic warning signs erected by Council or other public authorities are exempt (under the Roads Act 1993).

A-Frames, flyers, banners and feather flags

The placing of advertising materials such as A-Frames, flyers, banners and feather flags within a public place or on a public road without prior approval from Council is an offence under the Local Government Act 1993.

If a business is found to be committing this offence, they may receive an on-the-spot fine of $330 for each article.

Trailers

The erection or placement of structures, devices or articles including cars, station wagons, panels vans, caravans,  trailers  and vehicle-mounted fixed or variable message signs displaying advertising material on public or  private land for the primary purpose of advertising or promotion,  constitutes development activity. It is an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ('the Act') to carry out development other than in accordance with a development consent.

If a business is found to be committing this offence, Council officers may issue the business with either a caution or on-the-spot fine of up to $3,000.

What advertising options do I have?

Businesses that wish to place their advertising signs on a public road or land need to apply to Council for approval to do so. You can contact Council’s Traffic section on 02 4934 9700 or [email protected] to discuss how to apply for a permit.

Some alternative advertising options you may consider for your event, product or business promotion are:

  • Newspaper advertising
  • Websites
  • Noticeboards
  • The inside of shop windows with the shop owner’s approval
  • Approved signs at the event venue.

How do I report breaches?

You can report issues relating to advertising on public roads using Report It. In order to assist our Officers, please provide the business details, locality of the sign, and photographs