Fly-posting and graffiti are illegal. They spoil both public and private property and can be very costly to remove.
They are both criminal offences. They carry large fines given out by magistrates, or up to an £80 fixed penalty notice issued by the local authority or police. If you see anyone applying fly-posting or graffiti you should report it to us or Devon & Cornwall Police.
Fly-posting
When you report fly-posting to us, we will make enquiries into the source of the material and take action if possible.
We consider fly-posting to be the unauthorised placing of posters or stickers, usually advertisements or promoting events, up to A4 size. Anything larger than A4 or more substantial than a poster, eg, on a board, we consider as unauthorised advertising (if Advertisement Consent has not been granted).
Fly-post up to A4 size on council managed land, buildings or structures
If the fly-post is no larger than A4 and is on council managed land, or one of our buildings or structures, you can report it to our Waste Management team using the form linked below.
Report fly-posting on Council managed land, buildings and structures
Unauthorised advertisement larger than A4 size or on private land
If the unauthorised advertisement is larger than A4, or on private land, you can report it to our Planning Enforcement team using the form linked below.
Report unauthorised advertising larger than A4 or on private land
If the fly-posting/advertisement is affecting visibility on the highway, regardless of its size or location, and is causing an immediate danger, please report this to Highways by calling 0300 1234 222.
Graffiti
Graffiti is words or drawings written, painted, sprayed or scratched onto the surface of any property or structure.
We are responsible for removing graffiti from:
- public buildings
- street furniture
- monuments
Removal of graffiti from telephone boxes, bus shelters, electricity boxes, etc, is the responsibility of the company that owns them.
Report graffiti on Council managed land, buildings and structures