1 October 2012

Where can electoral advertising signs be placed?

| housebound
Join the conversation
2

With so many arguments about the rules around candidates signs, it is useful to look at what they actually are.

The rules seem to rule out most candidate signs around – no signs on the grass, on corners, on footpaths, on median strips, attached to bridges or trees or lightpoles, or too close to a road. The signs also have to have nothing sticking out (so careful those wooden pickets don’t go past the edges, and don’t use star pickets whatever you do) and can’t be blown over. (This last point probably explains Berry’s practice of putting her signs about an inch away from lightpoles.) And as a trap for the unwary, there’s also a list of roads you’re not allowed to put signs on.

So here’s the rules from an Elections ACT factsheet. (For the more legal-minded, here is the Code itself.)

Movable signs may be placed on unleased Territory Land subject to the restrictions below.

Signs may not be placed at roundabous [sic], median strips of roads, within 20 metres of traffic lights, on residential nature strips, or within 20 metres of a corner of an intersection. Do not attach signs to bridges, overpasses, government property, trees or other vegetation, traffic lights or street lights. Electoral advertising signs are not permitted within 100 metres of a polling place during polling for ACT Legislative Assembly elections.

Movable signs must not cause a danger or restrict pedestrians access to walkways or nature strips. The signs must not encroach on to or obstruct pedestrian or bicycle pathways.

Signs must be placed at least 1.2 metres back from the street kerb. Movable signs must not be placed in emergency vehicle access routes or in a position that restricts access to fire hydrants, above-ground services and in-ground services.

The placement of movable signs must not impede maintenance activities, for example, the mowing of grass.

Signs cannot be placed in designated areas of the National Capital without the expressed approval from the National Capital Authority. See Section 8 of the Code for a full listing of designated areas.

Join the conversation

2
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

They should put more along the parkway so I public servants in blue camrys can run them down

Well the signs at the corner of Bunda St and Northbourne Ave, break at least 2 of the above rules.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.