Beware of roadside advertising
Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding residents tempted to engage contractors advertising their services by way of roadside signs to proceed with caution.
Senior Ranger Troy McGlynn said Council was in the process of cracking down on offenders.
“We always urge a person thinking of contacting someone who advertises their goods or services by way of roadside signs to tread carefully,” he said.
“Apart from it being illegal to place advertising on street poles, trees or on the back of a ute, it’s pretty unattractive and the practice can take drivers attention off the road.
“It’s a major complaint we receive and we’re often asked to remove them.”
Persons advertising by way of roadside signs contrary to Council policy may be subject to a $2200 fine.
“Another reason we encourage people to treat these signs with a grain of salt is the legitimacy of some of the businesses,” Mr McGlynn added.
“As a general rule, if you can’t see a business name or licence number, be very cautious.”
“There are plenty of alternate legitimate and reputable professional Southern Highland businesses who do the right thing,” Mr McGlynn said.
Travelling con men have targeted the Southern Highlands in the past. Only last year Council received reports of scam artists offering to undertake maintenance work on properties in the area on behalf of Council.
“If a deal sounds too good to be true, there’s generally a reason why.”
The NSW Department of Fair Trading have released numerous warnings about travelling conmen offering services and advise residents to remain ‘scam smart’ when responding to any advertising where business names and licence numbers are not displayed.
Residents concerned about possible breaches should contact the Department of Fair Trading on phone 13 32 20.