POLITICIANS will no longer require a licence to put up campaign posters on roads and pavements during an election, after a proposal from the Infrastructure Minister was unanimously approved.
Constable Andy Jehan told States Members on Tuesday the issue first cropped up in the run-up to the 2022 general election, with many budding candidates not aware they needed a licence from parish highway authorities, with informal guidelines subsequently introduced.
Placing anything on, above or below a road or lane in Jersey without a licence is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to £10,000.
The changes – which were backed by 42 States Members this week with no votes against or abstentions – to Jersey’s Highways Law formalise the guidance brought in ahead of the 2022 election.
They are subject to certain conditions, including when and where materials can be displayed, and how they should be put up and removed to avoid obstructing traffic signs or creating hazards.
In the report accompanying his proposition, Mr Jehan wrote: “If the changes are not made, there will be a lack of safe standards and there would be an additional administrative burden on all the 13 highway authorities who would have to process applications, issue licences, and police the placement of such materials.”
He added: “The highway authorities are already under pressure dealing with their routine daily business and this could result in delays in processing applications and issuing licences.”
Islanders will begin to see politicians’ faces popping up on highways across the Island next year as Jersey gears up for the 7 June general election.
