Councils fighting increasing number of illegally erected signs across Adelaide

Illegal signs are popping up across the city as fast as councils can take them down – so what’s the story behind them?

Illegally erected advertisements for roof painting and other trade services are mushrooming across Adelaide, with councils battling to keep them off the streets.

West Torrens Council started receiving complaints about the corflute signs last February and has removed around 40 of them in the past six months alone.

But a spokesman said council has been unable to crack down on the offender and issue them with an expiation because they “could not be confirmed”.

“Council attempted to contact the business but to no avail,” he said.

He said the contact number listed on the signage “was found not to be registered to a legitimate business”.

Signs have been popping up on street posts, Stobie poles, fences and trees and offering cheap trade work.

Signs Port Adelaide Enfield Council says have been illegally erected. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by businessowners. Picture: Supplied

Signs Port Adelaide Enfield Council is taking down, but they keep being put back up. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by businessowners. Picture: Supplied

An Unley Council spokesperson said its Regulatory Services Team had seen an increase in unlawfully erected corflute signage since spring last year, “with roofing, plumbing, and real estate companies being notable contributors”.

It removed one on Lloyd Ave, Millswood, on Friday morning.

One of the illegal erected signs, which was taken down on Friday in Millswood.

A Port Adelaide Enfield Council spokesman said while illegally erected signage has been an issue for years, it become more prominent in recent months.

“In the City of PAE our staff are removing them regularly and also picking them up after they end up littering the streets and natural environment,” he said.

“We receive regular complaints from residents about these signs because entire suburbs are hit at once, with them often appearing on every pole down residential streets and main roads,” he said.

Erecting advertisements on government land without relevant permission is illegal and can carry penalties of up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for business.

“Not only is it an illegal activity that is distracting to road users, but is adding to the visual pollution along our roads, and the signs may end up littering the natural environment, waterways and stormwater systems,” a Port Adelaide Enfield Council spokesperson said.

Burnside Council acting chief executive Martin Cooper said his council had removed more than 20 signs but this was “not an ongoing or prevalent issue”.

Minister for Consumer and Business Services Andrea Michaels urged people to be cautious before engaging in tradies for work.

“We would urge people to avoid doing business based on a corflute alone, and to make sure they do their homework before engaging any type of tradesperson,” she said.

“You should always get multiple quotes. If any one quote is significantly lower than the rest, this can often be a red flag.”

The Advertiser has reached out to the businesses for comment.

Councils are calling on anyone who sees people putting up signs to report them to council.

Originally published as Councils fighting increasing number of illegally erected signs across Adelaide