Sunday, Mar 23, 2014
Dubai: The nuisance of unsolicited advertisements placed under your windscreen wiper or on your front gate will soon come to an end, as the civic body is intensifying its crackdown on illegal advertisements.
“Companies should advertise their services through the proper medium, such as in newspapers, television or on the radio. As per our regulations, it is not allowed to place business cards or pamphlets on residents’ private property because they end up being thrown on the floor,” explained Abdul Majeed Saifaie, Director of waste management department at Dubai Municipality. Saifaie explained that such practices violate Article 59 of Local Order No 11 of 2003, which is related to distorting the image of the city. The campaign will be held throughout the year.
Most of the illegal advertisements are found on walls, doors, parking areas, and public squares.
“The department has intensified the monitoring of offences by individuals and companies since the beginning of March, and fined 226 companies after sending them several warnings. We also removed 500 kilograms of paper ads and posters,” he said.
“When we collect the posters and advertisements, we immediately notify the companies involved and fine them Dh500 to Dh100,000,” said Saifaie.
The campaign was intensified after a flood of residents lodged complaints with Dubai Municipality, and aims to educate residents and companies alike about the negative effects of such illegal advertising, as it also can potentially damage public property and facilities.
“We have also received complaints about people’s windscreen wipers being broken, or that their cars are scratched… and the companies who put their advertisements there will be responsible for the damage,” said Saifaie.
These bad practices has been decreasing every year but nevertheless authorities say they need to repeat the campaign on a yearly basis to educate new residents and visitors about the need for keeping public places neat and clean.
Complaints can be registered on the hotline of Dubai Municipality at 800900.
By Mariam M. Al Serkal Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
