New rules allow political billboards only in months leading to elections

Political parties will no longer be allowed to display ‘political adverts’ on billboards on any day of the year that does not immediately precede general or local elections.

Under new rules issued by the parliamentary secretariat for land, political adverts and billboards “relating exclusively” to a general election, a local election, or referendum, can only be displayed three months prior to the election or referendum day, and not later than one week after the announcement of the electoral result.

The wording of the new rules suggests that other political advertisements, related to government propaganda, will be exempt from the restrictions.

It is unclear whether billboards that display any political messages other than electoral messages, will also be allowable outside the political calendar months.

Under the new rules, no billboard can be displayed in any place visible from the road unless it is covered by a permit from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

But except for political billboards, billboards may only be placed at such designated sites as are established by MEPA from time to time.

Existing billboards erected before the new rules came into force, will have to present permits for their display adverts and also apply for a new Transport Malta licence.

Any existing advertisement which has been put on the road without a permit, licence or other authorization shall be removed by MEPA without the need to issue an enforcement notice.

Appeals on the enforcement notice or applications for permits will not suspend the operation of the enforcement notice, and MEPA will forcibly remove the advertisement upon expiration of the enforcement notice’s period.

All new applications for advertisements, including billboards, shall be submitted to MEPA, which will require clearance from Transport Malta prior to the issue of any permits for the placing of all advertisements, with the exception of shop signs. In addition to fees payable to MEPA, a yearly €1,500 fee will be payable to Transport Malta.

Where MEPA requires the removal of an advertisement, and the advertisement is not removed by the expiration of the stipulated period, the authority  shall have the right to remove the advertisement itself. The person to whom advertisement refers shall be liable for payment of the expenses incurred by MEPA.

Any person who is found guilty of contravening the rules will be liable to a fine of €1,000 to €5,000 for every offence, unless a daily fine applies.