Ban on street sign election posters

There will be no election posters on street lights and signs in Stone this year as Staffordshire County Council extends its zero-tolerance approach for the local elections in May.

The policy was first adopted for last year’s General Election and is now being extended to district and borough council elections taking place across Staffordshire on 5th May.

County Councillor Leader Philip Atkins said: “This is a completely apolitical move to stop street lights and signs being used for political purposes, and election agents of all parties are being informed of our policy.

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“Posters on the highway distract attention away from signs that are there for safety and other important reasons. In addition they often remain for weeks or even months after elections take place and become an eyesore.

“Last year’s general election ban was widely well received. There is absolutely no need for political parties to put posters on the highway. There are a thousand-and-one other ways to engage with voters, including house calls, leafleting, signs on private property, posters in the windows of supporters and social networking.

“If we find or have reports of election signs on the highway we will remove them and we will bill the responsible election agent.”