ELECTION candidates and their representatives have been reminded by Kerry County Council that, under Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it is an offence to attach any poster to any road traffic sign or pole.
Traffic and road signs are specifically designed to be clearly read by passing motorists and election posters can obstruct or obscure the sign.
In addition, Kerry County Council has advised candidates agasinst candidates hanging banners and posters from road over-bridges and pedestrian bridges as they could become loose or be interfered with by third parties and could fall onto moving traffic.
The council is also asking candidates and their representatives to ensure that election posters are sited so they do not obstruct the view of traffic and pedestrians on public roads.
Under law, all election posters must bear the name and address of the printer of the posters.
Following polling day, candidates have seven days to remove all election posters and signage, as set out in statute. They are also asked to remove cable ties which are often left behind when posters are removed and which are unsightly and constitute litter.
Any election posters in place before or after the stipulated timeframe are deemed to be in breach of the legislation and are subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150.
Local authorities are also responsible for the removal of posters which constitute a hazard to either pedestrians or road users. Complaints about such posters should be made directly to Kerry County Council stipulating their exact location to enable local authorities to arrange for their removal.
The council has stressed that it is not an offence, under the Litter Pollution Acts, to park vehicles with election slogans printed on the side in free parking sport or on private property.
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