Fly Posting

Advertising Advice for the Organisers of Charitable and Community Events

Fly posters are simply advertisements that are displayed on highway land contrary to the Highways Act 1980, and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, or on private land contrary to the 1990 Act.

Solihull Council is proud of the diverse range of charitable and community events that take place within the Borough, and of the immense voluntary commitment made by so many of our residents. Wherever possible, Solihull Council is committed to supporting charitable and community events, and this advice is aimed at helping with the advertising of such events.

There are a number of methods available to advertise a charitable or community event in Solihull. The following information provides a summary of some of these methods.

Local Newspapers and Websites

Local newspapers and websites will often publicise charitable or community events for free, and the following newspapers and websites cover all, or parts of Solihull.

• Arden Observer 01789 415 717
• Birmingham Post 0121 234 5904
• Birmingham Evening Mail 0121 236 3366
• Colebridge News 0121 770 8889
• Solihull News 0121 711 3001
• Solihull & Shirley Observer 0121 683 0707
• Solihull Times 0121 711 3278
• Solihull & Warwickshire Guardian 0121 711 5707
• AboutB93.com enquiries@AboutB93.com
• Solihull Online info@solihull-online.net

Solihull Council

Solihull Council produces a number of publications throughout the year, and some of these may be suitable to advertise a charitable and community event. These publications are often prepared far in advance, so it is best to give plenty of notice. In the first instance, contact our Events and Marketing Manager on 0121 704 6546. In addition, Solihull Council has public libraries located throughout the borough, and they will be happy to advertise any charitable or community event.

Local Shops

Local shops are often keen to support charitable or community events. Some shops have notice boards, or will allow adverts for charitable and community event to be displayed in their window. Ask the manager or owner of shops local to the event if they will help.

Adverts on Private Land

Adverts for charitable and community events are exempt from the usual requirement of having to obtain planning permission, providing they are less than 0.6m², and that the advert is not more than 4.6m above ground level. This means that you can lawfully display adverts for the event on private land, such as people's gardens, or in the windows of buildings.

Adverts on Public Highway

Although the organisers of some charitable or community events chose to advertise on public highway, this is contrary to the Highways Act 1980. Adverts on public highway, be they on lamp columns, traffic signs or signals, trees or pedestrian barriers, can pose a danger to both pedestrians and motorists, and they also make an area look untidy and create an eyesore.

However, in line with our commitment to support charitable and community events, Solihull Council will not generally take any action to remove such adverts or to prosecute the organisers. Although we do ask that organisers observe the following conditions:

1. Adverts should only be affixed to lamp columns, and not to traffic signs, traffic signals, trees or pedestrian barriers.
2. Adverts should not be placed within 5m of a traffic junction.
3. The method of affixing the advert must not damage the lamp column in any way.
4. Adverts should not be affixed earlier than seven days before the event, and removed within 24 hours after then event.
5. All fixings must be removed when the advert is removed.
6. Thought should be given to the size, design and number of adverts.
7. The adverts should state the name of the charity that is benefiting from the event.

Please note that Solihull Council may remove any adverts that do not observe these conditions, or pose a danger, are offensive, or too numerous.

Adverts Relating to Businesses

It is worth noting that adverts will be removed where they relate to any business or trade, or where it is apparent that profit is being made by any person. Those responsible for displaying such adverts, or those gaining benefit from such adverts, will be liable to prosecution and a fine not exceeding £2,500 per advert, or to a fixed penalty of £75 per advert.

Contact Details

If you would like any further information, or have any questions about this advice, please contact Environmental Health on 0121 704 8369.