Erection of vinyl hoardings, boards and banners, without mandatory permission, has posed a threat to public safety on major roads and near commercial establishments in the city.

The city was free of hoardings and banners from the date of announcement of the State elections to the announcement of results as the Election Commission made it a point to remove illegal advertisements in any form. However, after the announcement of results, banners, posters and hoardings began to reappear in different parts of the city. There were hoardings erected on rooftops, electric poles, and roadsides, that eventually posed a threat to public safety. Right from smaller parties to major parties including the DMK, the TVK and the AIADMK, the cadres erect hoardings along the road sides at their will. Enthusiastic cadres of the TVK have greeted Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on the occasion of his birthday.

Giant flex hoards are seen at major junctions, important roads and places including Cantonment, Srirangam, Thiruvanaikoil, Woraiyur, Salai Road, Sangiliyandapuram, Ramalinga Nagar, Ponnagar, Vayalur Main Road, Karumandapam, Bheema Nagar, Palakkarai, MGR Roundabout, Heber Road and others. Apart from being a distraction to drivers, these banners pose a threat to public safety.

In addition to political parties, flex boards are being placed for religious events and festivals, marriages, and other family functions. These banners and hoardings placed alongside the roads, pavements, and bridges encroach upon public spaces, causing inconvenience to road users.

Although a no-objection certificate from the Corporation, the police, and the district administration is mandatory for putting up hoardings, this rule is followed more in the breach. The Madras High Court also came up with directions on many occasions banning illegal hoardings and flex boards. However, civic activists feel that no one seems to bother to obtain permission from the authorities.

“No one should be allowed to erect flex boards without permission. Action is needed before any accidents involving flex boards and banners occur,” says K. Janarthanan of Bheema Nagar, a civic activist.

N. Jamaluddin of Anna Nagar in Thennur, said the boards had been posing danger to passers-by, two-wheeler riders and others as they might fall on them due to gusty wind. The flex boards also have been hindering vehicular movement and endangering many lives. The practice should not be encouraged.