Minister warns billboards will be torn down

COMMUNICATIONS and Works Minister Kikis Kazamias has given a clear message to all concerned that serious action would be taken if illegal billboards were not pulled down or pushed back by the October 1 deadline.

With only 18 days to go before all illegal billboards must be removed, Kazamias reiterated that he was not only obligated but also determined to make sure that the law was followed. After meeting with the Public Works Department and Legal Services on Thursday, he highlighted that strong political will existed to see the implementation of the legislation.

Kazamias called on the local authorities and billboard advertising companies to take up their responsibilities, pointing out that they hadn’t done so yet, despite the fact that legislation was passed and the deadline set four months ago.

The new measures restrict the size of billboards in and out the cities and call for the removal of all billboards less than 40 metres from the highway and three metres from the streets. The provisions provide that billboards must be at least three kilometres apart on the highway. Implementation would require a great number of billboards to be torn down or moved back.

Kazamias gave a stern warning that the government would not falter in implementing the law once the October deadline expired. He said they would wait 30 days after the deadline as is required by the law and then send the Public Works Department to tear the illegal boards down. Billboard owners will foot the cost of the operation, estimated at £250,000, said Kazamias.

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