Council crack down on illegal advertising
A prosecution that led to fines and costs of over £10,000 has been successfully carried out by Havering Council’s planning enforcement team.
Leslie Jones was fined £6,000 for three offences of putting up billboard style adverts on trailers, which are illegal advertisements, in front of Grove Farm, a site on the A12/M25 junction.
At Barkingside Magistrates Court, he was also ordered to pay costs of £3985.04 and a victim surcharge of £170, bringing the total amount to £10,155.04. In addition, Mr Jones received a criminal conviction for the offences.
The Council receives around 800 allegations a year for our planning enforcement team to investigate. As well as illegal advertisements, they also look into unauthorised changes of use or building development, non-compliance with plans or conditions and unauthorised traveller encampments.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“Illegal advertisements are an eyesore on our roadsides and we will take the strongest action against those who breach the advertisement regulations.
“As in this case, not complying with the rules will lead to prosecution, a heavy fine and a criminal conviction.
“We ask that residents help us to keep the look and feel of the borough welcoming and smart, by reporting to us anything they see that doesn’t look right.”