Fly posting is the fixing of posters, or anything similar, to any surfaces which you do not have permission and planning consent (where necessary). It typically involves advertising anything from 'cash for cars' to music events.
Fly posting is an offence under Section 224(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990 and the Highways Act 1980.
How to report fly posting
You can report fly posting using our online form.
Fines and penalty notices
Advertisers can be fined up to £2,500 on conviction for this offence under the TCPA 1990, and in the case of a continuing offence, £100 per day after a conviction.
The individual who physically affixes the poster (rather than the advertised business) may be issued with an Fixed Penalty Notice of £75.
Responsibility for removing graffiti and fly posting
The council is usually responsible for removing graffiti and fly posters from public buildings, street furniture or monuments.
Other structures, such as telephone boxes, bus shelters and electricity boxes, are the responsibility of the company that has placed them there.
However, the council does have a power to issue a 'defacement removal notice' to the property owner, which requires them to remove the graffiti or fly posting within 28 days. If they fail to do so, the council can do the work themselves and recover the costs.