ELECTION posters are a key component of any campaign but they regularly cause controversy.
Several candidates have already reported that their posters have been damaged or torn down – some within a matter of days of being put up.
And one Twitter user has been keeping a watchful eye over where the posters are being erected – and it turns out that a significant number of candidates are failing to abide by poster rules.
Islander Phil Taylor has noticed that many candidates are either unaware of such regulations or are ignoring them.
In a lengthy Twitter thread he points out that candidates across the political spectrum are seemingly in breach of the guidelines.
Some may argue that Mr Taylor’s observations are a tad pernickety but as he pointed out: ‘If I cannot trust you with a sign – how can I trust you with government?’
The Highway Election Advertising Guidelines – although the cover of the booklet actually refers to ‘guidlines’ – sets out the rules and regulations for proper poster etiquette. This includes the size, the height at which they should be erected and where posters are not allowed.
The ‘guidlines’ state that all signage must be ‘clear and concise’ so road users can read it with minimal effort and should not be smaller than A3 size or larger than 600mm by 450mm.
Perhaps more importantly the rules state that election advertising should not be attached to ‘safety-critical street furniture’ such as traffic-light poles, warning signs or pedestrian barriers.
It also states that advertising is ‘explicitly not permitted’ on or in the vicinity of junctions, pedestrian crossings, at a roundabout and central reservations.
A further rule stated that posters are not allowed at less than seven feet above the level of a footpath and must be at least one foot back from the kerb under Article 1(e) of the Highway Encroachment (Jersey) Regulations 1957.
