§ 10. Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he is taking to prevent the display of posters and advertising material where they deface traffic and safety signs.
§ Mr. DunnPosters fixed to traffic signs are taken down by staff of the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment as soon as they can. The penalty for displaying an advertisement in contravention of current Northern Ireland regulations is a fine up to £100. Anyone who wilfully interferes with or damages a traffic sign is liable to a fine of £50 or imprisonment for three months, or both.
§ Mr. CartwrightIn view of the obvious inconvenience to the public and, more important, the implications of road safety, can my hon. Friend explain why those responsible for this fly-posting have not already been prosecuted?
§ Mr. DunnIn the first instance it is a matter for the police, but I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me this opportunity to make an appeal to the people concerned to end this irresponsible practice, which is very dangerous. If this appeal fails I shall consult my right hon. Friend and the police to see that a more effective enforcement of the law is brought about.
§ Mr. PowellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the worst offenders in this respect is something called "Action Group"? It is an extraordinary thing that those who profess to be interested in the life and well-being of their fellow-citizens should deliberately endanger it by defacing necessary signs.