Territory and Municipal Services are making clear what parties can and can’t do with their electoral signage here in Canberra:
The ACT Government has reminded the Australian Electoral Commission, Elections ACT and major political parties about the rules which govern the placement of election signage. The updated Public Unleased Land (Moveable Signs) Code of Practice came into effect on 1 July 2013.
The Code outlines requirements such as design, placement, duration, safety and insurance of signage. Amendments have been made to minimise the disruption that signage can cause. These include:
• a reduction in the period during which electoral advertising signs may be displayed from eight weeks to six weeks
• signage must be removed within 48 hours of the close of polls
• signs cannot obstruct infrastructure owned by ACTEW or the ACT Government, such as streetlights and traffic lights
• signage cannot require support from any other object
• stickers cannot be used.“The ACT Government’s city rangers will undertake routine inspections of shopping centres and arterial roads in the lead up to the federal election in order to keep public spaces clear from obstructions,” said Fleur Flanery, Director, City Services.
“It is important signs are free standing and do not pose line of sight, safety or access issues. Any signs attached or affixed to government property will be removed. This includes signs attached to bridges, overpasses, trees, traffic lights, traffic control boxes and light poles.
“Signs cannot be placed at roundabouts, on median strips, on residential nature strips or within 20 metres of either traffic lights or the corner of an intersection. This is to prevent distractions and line of sight issues for drivers.
“Signs which are in breach of the Code will be removed by city rangers. A collection fee may be imposed. A penalty fee also applies for signs which do not comply with the Code,” said Ms Flanery.
I’ve dug the code of practice out for your edification.
If you see signage which you think shouldn’t be there you can call Canberra Connect and let them know on 13 22 81.