Lakes Crackdown On Illegal Advertising

We're guessing this temporary promotional sign isn't quite what Lakes planners are concerned about...

Or this one for that matter...

Interesting story, not because we think many OM members organise sporting and outdoor events in the Lakes and advertise them illegally, but because it illustrates some of the behind the scenes work in National Parks which you may not be aware of.

The gist of it is that the Lake District National Park Association - LDNPA - is calling on organisers of events in the area to stick to national regulations on advertising, after LDNPA compliance team members recent had to remove materials being illegally used to promote events, particularly on roadside verges.

'The planners,' says the LDNPA. 'Are particularly concerned about signs on road verges in the national park, which both look out of place with the rest of the Lake District landscape, and also can be very distracting to drivers, resulting in potential road dangers.' Ultimately offenders could end up with a £2,500 fine.

So there you go. National Park Associations do far more than you might realise. Here's the full media release if you're interested. More about the LDNPA at  www.lakedistrict.gov.uk.

ADVERTISING PLANNING PLEA TO EVENT PROMOTERS

Organisers of outdoor events, retail opportunities or sporting activities in the Lake District this summer are being urged to contact national park planners to make sure they abide by detailed national regulations on advertising. LDNPA compliance team members have recently had to take down some materials being illegally used to promote events. Now in an attempt to prevent more event organisers falling foul of the regulations, planners are urging people to contact them before putting up any advertising displays. “We have been providing advice for a number of years and the majority of people are aware of the Advertisement Regulations and comply with them,” said compliance planner Julie Birkett. “However each year there are new events which display signs which are illegal. If we are able to identify the organiser we can provide advice and in most cases the signs are removed voluntarily. But in some instances we do serve a formal notice and remove the signs ourselves.” The planners are particularly concerned about signs on road verges in the national park, which both look out of place with the rest of the Lake District landscape, and also can be very distracting to drivers, resulting in potential road dangers. Planners accept that the advertisements control regulations are detailed and do appear to be complicated. While most infringements can be solved amicably, offenders have been reminded that they could eventually end up in the courts with the potential for a £2,500 fine. “To prevent this happening all people need to do is come and talk to us first before they start their promotional activity - that way we can all work together to ensure the events are promoted successfully and legally,” Julie added.