Law crackdown sign of the times
WHILE other businesses are braving potential fines to put their A-frame signs out on the road, Montville Vet owner Ernie Young said he would not risk it.
A crackdown on signage has hit Hinterland businesses, particularly those which use A-frame signage on main roads.
Dr Young had used his sign for more than six months before he was told by the Sunshine Coast Council to take it down within 24 hours or face a $500 fine.
The A-frame was chained to a sign on Flaxton Dr to ensure it did not interfere with motorists by blowing onto the road.
While the council provided Dr Young with a 20-page summary of what signage was acceptable, he said the crackdown was unnecessary.
"We're an emergency service and an essential service that people need to find quickly," he said.
"All I wanted to do with the sign was show people where we were.
"I can see where council is coming from safety wise, but in our area I think it's a service that's needed in the community."
Dr Young said other businesses in Montville had also faced a similar problem, along with a string of businesses in Landsborough.
A council spokeswoman said the situation was not a crackdown, but rather council following the laws in place.
The spokesperson said temporary advertising devices like A-frames could be located on public land or council or state-owned land, as long as it met the general requirements.
"Illegally placed advertising devices can pose a safety risk to road users by blocking visibility, distracting drivers or slowing traffic," the spokeswoman said.
"All advertising signage on the Sunshine Coast is regulated to ensure safe placement of signage while maintaining an attractive location for residents and visitors.
"Council's local law in this area allows a place of business to have one A-frame sign adjacent to and as close possible to the premises provided it doesn't block footpaths or pathways or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or motorists."
Dr Young said the council's issue with his A-frame sign was that it was a hazard to drivers if it blew onto the road.
The spokesperson said a condition of temporary advertising was that they could not be anchored to trees, roadside poles, traffic signs or other public infrastructure.
Dr Young said he would not risk facing a $500 fine again.
