House postpones discussion of new billboards bill

THE House yesterday postponed discussion on the controversial billboard bill for the third time in two months, raising more doubts over its will to ban the thousands of advertising hoardings that litter the roads and pose a hazard for drivers.

The bill was submitted by Green party deputy George Perdikis, following the withdrawal of a government bill in November.

The government bill, submitted in November 2001, was withdrawn by Communications Minister Averoff Neophytou after it had become “unrecognisable” from amendments added by deputies.

The delay in passing the bill has sparked rumours that business interests had influenced deputies’ judgements.

With this in mind, House President Demetris Christofias yesterday urged deputies to watch their behaviour on the issue so as not to give anyone the opportunity to cast aspersions on the chamber.

“Outside pressure from those with interests should be terminated,” Christofias said.

AKEL deputy Nicos Katsourides echoed Christofias’ concerns, while Perdikis said he was saddened by the new postponement of the bill.

Communications Committee chairman Nicos Pittokopitis said the House had been under fire about the issue for a year and pointed out that the matter had been discussed by deputies seven times.

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