Wiltshire Council successfully prosecutes prolific fly-poster

Published 19 April 2024

A Melksham man was given a 24-month Conditional Discharge and ordered to pay £1,465 in costs for significant fly-posting across Wiltshire.

Mr Chris Freeman of Magister Road, Melksham, pleaded guilty to nine counts of fly-posting on road traffic signs and pedestrian crossings across Wiltshire.

The posters were advertising a nightclub venue in Westbury and the council removed a total of 52 of the posters after receiving a number of complaints.

Fly-posting is the advertisement of events with posters, stickers or flyers that are put up on lampposts, road traffic signs or other structures on the streets and public highway land without the permission of the property owner. It is illegal and carries up to a £2,500 fine per incident.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Transport and Street Scene, said: "We're committed to reducing fly-posting in Wiltshire, and this prosecution is part of our wider clampdown on this unsightly blight on our communities.

"Since November 2023, we have removed 517 posters and flyers and issued 65 warning letters to fly-posters throughout the county - and we'll continue to take action to stop fly-posters.

"Fly-posting is a recurring problem that has a detrimental effect on the environment in Wiltshire. It's unsightly, it can distract drivers, it creates a bad impression of an area, and it costs the council thousands of pounds each year to remove.

"This successful prosecution sends a clear message that anyone who does fly-posts in Wiltshire runs the risk of prosecution and fines."

To report fly-posting in Wiltshire, people should visit MyWilts online reporting

Topics:

• Highways and transport news

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