KSAMC Commences Enforcement Activities Under Signage Regularisation Programme

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has commenced enforcement activities under its signage regularisation and public education campaign.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, informed that the enforcement exercise, which began last Thursday (April 9), involves the removal of illegally installed and non-compliant signage.

“I wish to emphasise that this is not an action the Corporation undertakes lightly; however, in order to uphold the law and ensure fairness across the Municipality, enforcement is necessary,” he said, during Tuesday’s (April 14) monthly sitting of Council at the Corporation’s downtown Kingston offices.

To minimise disruption to the public, removal activities are being primarily conducted on weekends when traffic volume is lower and operations can be executed more efficiently.

The enforcement exercise is phase two of the signage regularisation campaign.

The first phase, which started January and ran through to March 31, encouraged businesses to regularise signage and settle outstanding fees, offering a 20 per cent discount.

During the period, the KSAMC conducted an extensive public education and sensitisation programme involving direct engagement with stakeholders, clarification of requirements and guidance in the process of regularisation.

The KSAMC facilitated flexible payment arrangements, including options for new signage and settlement of outstanding arrears.

During the course of the campaign, invoices totalling approximately $74 million were generated, of which approximately $27 million in arrears was collected.

“This reflects a low level of compliance despite significant efforts to inform and engage stakeholders,” the Mayor said.

To support the enforcement phase, the KSAMC will host a workshop for advertising companies on May 4 to address issues related to unregulated signs and the designation of sterile areas.

In addition, the KSAMC will be designating specific residential areas as “sterile” or “no signs” zones and light-emitting diode (LED) and digital signage will be restricted in residential neighborhoods and in close proximity of intersections.

“While these formats can be effective for businesses, they must be appropriately located. Moving forward, such signage will only be approved in suitable areas, specifically where they do not distract motorists or disrupt residential life. We recognise that signage plays a vital role in commerce and communication. Accordingly, our goal is not to restrict indiscriminately but to regulate in an intelligent and measured manner,” Mayor Swaby said.