Remove hoardings in junctions, districts told

The policy framed by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) on roadside advertisements states that no advertisement hoardings are permitted on National Highways within the right of way, except signage of public interest. 

As per the IRC rules adopted by TN Urban Local Bodies Licensing of Hoardings and Levy and Collection of Advertisement Tax Rules, 2003, no advertisement hoarding should be permitted within 100 meters of any road junction, and within 50 meters along the road of any sign board constructed for regulation of traffic, due to distraction caused to the drivers. 

However, according to the writ petition filed by Coimbatore Consumer Cause, these rules are not being followed. Following this, a division bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and M Sundar directed the state  to strictly enforce the IRC  guidelines. 

Harmander Singh, principal secretary, MAWS department, shot off a letter referring the order and reminded the civic authorities to initiate appropriate action to remove all advertisements at traffic signals and other devices erected for traffic control, traffic guidance and or traffic information. 

Sources said the hoardings that have completed the licence period should be removed, while no new permission would be provided from now. The letter noted that while delivering the order, the Madras High Court had observed that the guidelines on advertisements issued by the Road Transport ministry show that they are to be applied uniformly for all roads – National and State Highways. It directed the officials to not renew the licence or give a fresh one contrary to the stipulations in the policy. 

The official directed the civic authorities to follow guidelines by Indian Road Congress and other relevant municipal acts such as Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act, 1981, and Madurai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1971, Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, and Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920.