KSAMC removes illegal billboard blocking Jamaica Society for the Blind entrance

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation has stepped up action against advertisers who put up signs without approval or payment, clearing unlawful advertising from the corporate area.

KSAMC chief executive officer Robert Hill flagged a billboard put up without authorisation at the entrance to the Jamaica Society for the Blind, saying it endangered accessibility and public safety. The corporation moved to take the structure off the public right of way.

"This is an offense. This is an affront to the disabled community and we as a responsible municipal organization cannot allow this to stay here. So we're taking action today to remove this structure from the public right of way," Hill said.

According to Hill, the municipal corporation contacted the advertiser and directed that the billboard come down, but the instruction was disregarded. Officers then carried out the removal themselves.

"We were appalled that having called the advertiser instructed him to remove it, he refused to do so," he said, stressing that no structure should block free movement along public thoroughfares, especially for persons with disabilities.

Hill added that where efforts to regularise placements and collect fees have failed, the corporation is enforcing the rules against those who will not comply. Staff have written, telephoned and followed up with clients who still refuse to pay or regularise their signs, and are now taking down sandwich boards and other displays that remain unpaid and unapproved.