Stockport Council are warning businesses against fly-posting after Screwfix Direct Ltd pleaded guilty to four offences of flyposting committed in the Cheadle Hulme area at Stockport Magistrates Court on Wednesday 2nd April.
The offences were contrary to Section 132(1) of the Highways Act 1980.
The company was fined £1,700 per offence, a total of £6,800 and ordered to pay £597.52 towards all the Council’s costs. The company was also ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.
On 5th September 2012 a Stockport Council Enforcement Officer observed signs and banners advertising ‘Screwfix’ attached to railings on Manchester Road, South Reddish. As a result of this the company was sent a warning letter.
On 8th February 2013 a Council Enforcement Officer on a monitoring patrol observed six signs and two banners attached to railings and lampposts on the busy A34 junction with Stanley Road, Cheadle Hulme. The signs were removed and the business was spoken to by the Council.
Despite this on 20th May 2013 a Council Enforcement Officer saw three signs attached to railings on Whitehill Street West near to the junction of Manchester Road, South Reddish.
The company was requested to attend an interview under caution where Council Officers were informed that measures had now put in place by the company to prevent any further flyposting .
On 30th October 2013 further signs were observed by Council Officers on railings on Stanley Road, Cheadle Hulme resulting in the Council taking the successful legal action.
The Council has a zero tolerance policy to flyposting and receives numerous complaints from members of the public. The posters created a distraction for motorists and had a detrimental effect on the appearance of the area.