BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS REGULATIONS

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 552.28

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

REGULATIONS

2nd February, 2018

LEGAL NOTICE 36 of 2018.

The title of these regulations is the Billboards and

Advertisements Regulations.

(1)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise

requires

"the Act" means the Development Planning Act;

"advertisement" has the same meaning assigned by the

Act;

"advertising vehicle" means a vehicle used or intended

to be used for the displaying of an advertisement;

"the Authority"

means

the

Planning

Authority

established by the Act;

"billboard" means any advertisement equal to, or larger

than, six square metres (6m²) which is permanently or

temporarily mounted on any structure whether free-standing or

wall-mounted and which billboard is not directly related to the

advertisement of products sold or activity conducted within

the site of the billboard;

"enclosed land" means any land which is surrounded on

all sides by a boundary wall, fence or marker as to provide or

indicate an enclosed area of land;

"illuminated advertisement" means an advertisement

which is designed or adapted to be illuminated by artificial

lighting, whether directly or by reflection;

"permission" means, in relation to the display of an

advertisement, permission granted by the Authority pursuant

to these regulations;

"political advertisement" means any advertisement,

including a billboard, which is used for the display of material

which relates exclusively to a general election or to a

referendum or a European Parliament election or to an election

for local councils and which is displayed not earlier than three

months before the date on which such election or referendum

is to be held and not later than one week from the official

announcement of the result of such election or referendum;

and

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

"road" means a road established within the Local Plans or

through a Planning Control (PC) application, or any road that is

maintained by the Local Council or the transport authority

wherein the public has free, unencumbered and unrestricted

access;

(2) Any expression defined by the Act shall have, in these

regulations, the same meaning as it has in the Act.

(1)

No advertisement shall be displayed in any place

which is visible from the road, and no advertising vehicle may be placed

on the road or on a place which is visible from the road, without the

permission of the Authority given under these regulations and Schedules

I and II, unless such an advertisement falls within the provisions of

regulation 4.

(2) The holders of any permissions, licences or other

authorisations permitting the display of billboards not falling under

regulation 4 shall be obliged to apply with Transport Malta in order to

obtain a licence from the said Transport Malta for which the yearly fee

established in Schedule I shall apply, unless the billboard is located on

the precinct of a sports facility, the income generated from the display

of the billboard accrues to the registered club managing the sports

facility and the billboard has no political content.

(3) An appeal from any notice issued in terms of article 97 of

the Act relating to a billboard or an application for the permission of

the Authority for the display of a billboard, shall not suspend the

operation of the said notice.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of this regulation, the

following advertisements shall be exempt from the requirements of

permission

(a)

With the exception of unroofed areas within

commuter terminals, an advertisement which is displayed on

enclosed land and which is not visible from any road;

(b)

an advertisement which is displayed on or in a

vehicle which is normally employed as a moving vehicle and

not on an advertising vehicle;

(c)

a political advertisement;

(d)

an advertisement required by any law or ordered

by a competent court;

(e)

an advertisement for a town or village feast,

including sponsored advertisements, provided it is displayed for

not more than 30 days prior to the date of the feast;

(f)

a traffic sign;

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

(g)

a sign announcing the name of any city, town or

village displayed by a government or a local council;

(h)

the national flag of any country or international

organization or other locality flag, provided there is no

advertising of any commercial activity related to it;

(i)

an advertisement displayed on the facade of a

premises in which a use falling outside Class 1 of the

Development Planning (Use Classes) Order is carried out

provided the aggregate area of the advertisements is not more

than 0.5 square metres, and it is fitted flat against the facade

and is not a projecting sign;

(j)

an advertisement displayed inside a roofed

building;

(k)

an advertisement in the form of a flag displaying

a company logo or name on the roof of any commercial

building;

(l)

an advertisement approved as part of the Traffic

Island Embellishment Scheme, provided it complies with the

size limitations of the scheme of 1.2m by 30cm, and not more

than two advertisements are displayed per traffic island;

(m)

an advertisement which forms an integral part of

an aperture;

(n)

a billboard which has the consent of the

President of the Republic and used exclusively for activities

and events of the office of the President provided the

Authority is notified of the location of the site and there are no

more than ten (10) concurrent locations in the Maltese Islands;

(o)

up to two billboards advertising public and/or

EU funded projects provided they are located within the site

boundary of the project and are removed on completion of the

project; and

(p)

Up to ten (10) billboards advertising activities

organized by NGO's, which billboards are to be provided by

Transport Malta (TM), and their use decided by a committee

set up by the Minister.

(2) Any advertisement referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall

be constructed, affixed and displayed in such manner, as not to

constitute a hazard to persons and shall not be fixed to any tree, shrub

or rubble wall.

(3) No such advertisement may be fixed to or placed on any

pylon, pole, sign or other property belonging to a government or

parastatal body without the permission of that body.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

(4) In the event that these conditions are not complied with,

the Authority shall have the power to require, by notice served on the

person displaying the advertisement and on the owner of the land on

which it is displayed, the removal of the advertisement or the carrying

out of such works as the said Authority may deem necessary, and the

person or persons on whom such notice is served shall forthwith, or

within the term stated in the notice, comply with the contents of the

notice, and pay the applicable fines

Provided that where such an advertisement is displayed

without the requisite permit and is affixed to or placed on any tree,

shrub, rubble wall, pylon, pole, sign or other property, the Authority

may immediately enter the land and remove the advertisement, where

it deems it expedient and necessary to do so in the interests of public

safety or amenity, in lieu of the service of the notice referred to above.

(5) All billboards shall be duly certified by a qualified

engineer and duly insured.

If the Authority is satisfied that it is necessary that the

forms of advertisement described in regulation 4 should not be

displayed unless permission is granted by the said Authority on

application, it may give a direction that the said exemptions granted by

regulation 4 shall not apply as specified in such direction.

(1)

(a) Billboards, except those mentioned under

regulation 4, may only be placed

(i)

on the precinct of a sports facility; and, or

(ii) on sites which are located contiguous to

or within the perimeter of the roads;

which are covered by a permission.

(b)

In determining development applications for the

location of billboards, the Authority shall decide the roads

where these are to be located and also the specific distance

between consecutive billboards;

(2) All billboards of such dimensions as the Authority may

determine, except those mentioned under regulation 4, shall bear the

Authority’s reference number for the permission. Such reference

number shall be

(a)

affixed to the structure in order for it to be

identifiable and shall not necessarily form an integral part of the

advertisement; and

(b)

be of such a form that it is permanently, clearly

and legibly displayed; and

(c)

in no case obstruct the advert.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

For the purposes of this sub-regulation, the definition

"Authority" may also include Transport Malta.

(1)

Any permission or clearance given by the

Authority under these regulations shall not exempt any person from

the need to apply and obtain any permit or authorisation howsoever

described as may be required by law.

(2) Transport Malta shall notify the Authority that an

applicant has failed to pay the yearly fee payable to Transport Malta

and the Authority shall have the power to execute all such necessary

enforcement procedures in terms of the Act for which the permission

from the said Authority has already been granted.

(1)

In any of the circumstances specified in these

regulations in which the Authority may serve a notice on the person

displaying an advertisement and on the owner or occupier of the land

on which it is displayed, the said Authority may, where it deems it

more expedient to do so, or where it is not possible to discover the

identity of the person displaying the advertisement or of the owner or

occupier of the land, serve the notice on the company, organization or

other body or person to which the advertisement refers or which

advertises any product, service or event related to such company,

organization, body or person either directly or indirectly

Provided that where the owner of the land or advertising

structure cannot be identified, the Authority shall first inquire with

the company, organization or other body or person to which the

advertisement refers to provide details of the owner of the said land

or advertising structure within twenty-four (24) hours.

(2) The provisions of articles 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100 and

101 of the Act and anything which may be done thereunder shall

apply and may be done with respect to other development

Provided that in respect of advertisement, the

application of the said provisions shall be subject to the following

modifications

(a)

where the notice requires the removal of an

advertisement, and the advertisement is not removed by the

expiration of the stipulated period, the Authority shall have the

right to remove the said advertisement itself and the company,

organization or other body or person to whom or to which the

advertisement refers shall be liable for payment of the

expenses incurred by the said Authority in exercising its

powers vested by these regulation. A notice requiring the

removal of an advertisement within a period of not less than 3

days as specified in the notice, shall have effect on the

expiration of the said period; and

(b)

neither an appeal from any such notice or an

application for the consent of the Authority for the display of

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

the advertisement shall suspend the operation of the said notice

and upon the expiry of the period specified in the notice, the

Authority may forthwith enter on the land an remove the

advertisement, and article 100 of the Act shall apply

accordingly.

(3) Furthermore, in the event that the company, organization

or body or person to whom or to which the advertisement refers fails to

claim the said advertisement within seven (7) days of the removal of

said advertisement and to take possession thereof upon the payment of

such fees which shall be due in terms of these regulations, the

Authority shall have the right to dispose of such advertisement in any

such manner as it may deem fit and the company, organization or body

or person to whom or to which the advertisement refers shall have no

right at law to claim any damages of whatsoever nature from the said

Authority.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

SCHEDULE I- Fees due to Transport Malta

(Regulation 3)

The yearly fee due to Transport Malta shall amount to one

thousand five hundred euro - (€ 1,500).

SCHEDULE II – Policy and Design Guidance

(Regulation 3)

Billboards and

Advertisements

ABSTRACT

The number of advertising billboards has been on

the increase over the past decades. For this reason,

the Planning Authority had issued several planning

guidance to regulate this activity. The “Billboards

and Signs” planning guidelines were issued in 1993,

whereby billboards were allowed on a temporary

basis. This procedure was suspended in 2003,

followed by the publication of new planning

guidelines in 2007, which recommended a number

of fixed sites around Malta and Gozo, with the

scope of limiting the number of billboards as well as

improving the visual aspect of the said billboards.

This document provides guidelines for the

installation of billboards and other outdoor

advertising proposals to the Planning Authority,

applicants and the general public.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

1. Introduction

The display of outdoor advertisements is a common feature of

modern commercial activity. Outdoor advertising can take

many forms including billboards, signs, posters and placards.

All these forms of advertising demand attention and seek to

stand out from their surroundings. A balance needs to be

struck between the advertisers’ commercial interest to

publicize their products and activities and legitimate concerns

to protect the environment and to seek to blend such new

development into its surroundings.

All outdoor advertisements affect the appearance of the

building, structure or place where they are displayed. They

are designed to communicate information or a message to

passers-by and modern advertisements often seek to attract

attention and to catch the eye with the use of bright colours

and materials, large dimensions and illumination. Frequently

they are sited in highly visible, prominent locations and busy

roads. These features may create a visual conflict with the

environment in which advertisements are displayed,

particularly in urban environments of architectural or historic

importance, residential areas and the open countryside.

Advertisements can add colour and vitality to an uninteresting

scene, or screen an unsightly view. In general, however, they

can only enhance a street scene or the environment in which

they are situated if they are sympathetically designed and do

not dominate their surroundings. Particular difficulties arise

when advertisements are sited on or close to buildings. The

appearance of a building can be spoiled by the choice of

advertisement materials, colour, proportion and illumination

that is alien to the building’s design or fabric, inappropriate

design of supporting structure or unsightly ancillary cabling,

so that the advertisement appears brash, over-dominant or

incongruous. Poorly sited advertisements may have an

adverse impact on road safety by distracting drivers,

interrupting visibility or giving confusing messages.

This document includes parameters and criteria for assessing

such development permit applications, to ensure that outdoor

advertising is of a high design standard that will not have a

visual impact or affect road safety conditions.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

2. General Principles for Locating Advertisements (Other

than billboards)

2.1

In view of the likely impact on visual amenity, the

environment in general and road safety, advertising will only

be allowed in the following locations

•

Along arterial and distributor roads, subject to the

clearance from Transport Malta;

•

In business hubs and local centres – where these are

within Urban Conservation Areas (UCA’s) sensitively

designed small-scale advertising panels, that blend in

well with their surroundings should be utilised. Par-

ticular attention to a high standard of detail and design

will be required. Such advertisements may be inte-

grated into street furniture where possible, in order to

minimize cluttering;

•

In enterprise hubs (the industrial areas) where enter-

prises want to advertise their whereabouts, particularly

if they are set back off the road. Simple direction signs

will be appropriate in these situations, provided that

the design of such signs is distinct from official road

signage. Opportunities should be taken for businesses

in the same location to combine their essential direc-

tional needs to avoid a proliferation of signs;

•

In mixed-use areas where residential development is

interspersed with shops or commercial uses, some

poster advertising may be acceptable if it is carefully

related to the scale of surrounding buildings and does

not detract from residential amenities.

2.2

Outdoor advertisements will not be permitted where they

are

1. on or adjacent to Scheduled Properties, Sites or

Areas.

2. on Grade 1 or 2 Listed Buildings.

3. outside the limits of development of towns and

villages.

4. fixed or painted to rubble stone walls, trees or utility

poles.

5. immediately adjacent to the coastline or where they

would intrude upon views of the open sea.

6. associated with kiosks, because these facilities are

often sited in locations where other forms of

development would not normally be allowed.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

7. at any location where, by reason of position, shape,

wording or colour, it interferes with or obstructs the

view of pedestrians and vehicular traffic or areas of

high landscape/historic value.

8. confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or

device.

3. Advertisements on Buildings (Other than billboards)

Advertisements can sometimes be successfully employed to

temporarily screen building sites, which tend to be unsightly.

In these cases, it is important to ensure that the building works

are not unnecessarily protracted just to provide a means for

the display of advertisements.

Separate guidance has been produced for advertisements on

shops in the Development Control Design Policy, Guidance

and Standards 2015 (DC15). In other cases, the display of

advertisements will only be allowed on buildings where the

following conditions are met

1. The advertisement must be in scale with the building

and must not visually dominate it. It should be

positioned and designed to appear as an integral feature

of the building and should not project beyond the

outline of the building.

2. It should not obscure any features or details of

architectural or historic interest.

3. The materials must be sympathetic to those of the

building;

4. Normally, any advertisements should be sited in

parallel with the party wall rather than at an angle to it.

5. Advertisements on the roof of a building or near the

roof line of a building will not be permitted.

6. Where more than one advertisement is displayed on the

same building there should be a clear relationship

between the different advertisements in terms of size

and positioning. A mix of different sizes or a display

which occupies an entire wall, will not normally be

appropriate.

7. Advertisements on party walls should be clearly

visible, unobstructed and comply with the above

criteria.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

4. Billboards

4.1

In assessing whether any particular site is suitable for the

display of billboards, the general considerations should be

traffic safety and the land use of the area, the scale and

massing of existing buildings and whether there are any

features of environmental, architectural or historic interest in

the vicinity. The siting of billboards on very prominent sites,

for example, on the skyline or on the roof of buildings or in

places where a strategic view would be interrupted, will not

be considered appropriate.

5. General Design Guidelines for Billboards

5.1

Billboards are to be constructed of permanent materials and

are to be permanently attached to the ground, building or

another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame

or structure (refer to Figure I). Foundations and/or

supporting structure should be underground (below site

level). Technical specifications listed in Appendix A refer.

3m Max.

See

note

below

Figure I - Permanent Billboards & Dimensions

Note: The height of the structure supporting the billboard will depend

on the following points

(a) The pedestrian activity in the area;

(b) The location, topography/landscape of the area;

(c) The aesthetics of the proposed billboards.

However, this does not imply that the height permissible is unlimited

– each proposal will be assessed on its own merits and in relation to

the site. See also Appendices A and B.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

6. Electronic Billboards

Technology has advanced significantly for billboards to

provide dynamic and realistic views, such as LCD Display

and LED Lighting. There are two categories of electronic

billboards - the Advanced Electronic Billboards, capable of

presenting multiple views and objects that have realistic

motion; and tri-vision signs providing one of three views with

rotating cylinders and generate mechanical motion or

movement (refer to Figure II).

Figure II

Figure II - Tri-Vision-type Billboards

Motion is a highly effective attention grabber and with

electronic billboards this can happen in two ways. An

Advanced Electronic Billboard display provides motion when

its lit elements or pixels present an image in apparent

movement across the display. An example is a high-resolution

picture similar to a television image or video or a text

message sliding in from the side, top or bottom. A tri-vision

sign provides mechanical motion when its triangular elements

rotate to present an alternate advertisement.

The motion component of an Advanced Electronic Billboard

or tri-vision sign may be more of a distraction than the

message content or pictorial arrangement. This possibility

exists because a motion requires time and if a driver wants to

see the entire movement for some inherent interest, then the

driver will focus more on the motion display and less on the

driving. Therefore coupled with the other criteria contained in

this document, proposals for electronic billboards are only

considered following the clearance from Transport Malta

which shall include the following

•

Techniques of message display.

•

The transition time required.

•

Number of picture changes per minute.

•

Maximum Luminance at various times of the day/night.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

6.4

Together with the criteria contained in this document,

Advanced Electronic Billboards or similar technology will

only be permitted where they do not give rise to

unacceptable levels of light pollution and do not prejudice

third party rights. Technical specifications listed in

Appendix B refer.

7. Illumination

7.1

Illuminated advertisements should seek to minimise light

pollution and if possible exploit solar energy. Such

advertisements will only be permitted where

1. The luminaire is discretely sited and designed to have

a minimal impact, avoiding light pollution, visual

intrusion and disturbance to the surrounding

environment (e.g. flickering effects).

2. Illumination is internal, or if external, oriented

downwards and of limited brightness.

3. Ancillary infrastructural requirements are to be duly

factored into the relevant proposals and applications,

and not allowed as an afterthought. Ancillary cabling

should be located underground (and confined to

existing made-up ground where impact of trenching is

reversible) so as not to end up with unsightly

overhead wires and poles.

8. Large-Scale Advertising

8.1

In predominantly commercial surroundings, the scale and

nature of the buildings may be sufficiently large to

accommodate large-scale advertising of more than 18 square

metres without any adverse effects on visual amenity. Large

poster hoardings may be considered in enterprise hubs

(industrial areas), sport complexes and business hubs,

provided the following criteria are met

•

Advertisement panels should normally be sited on the

flank walls of buildings, but they should not be unduly

dominant, and should be so designed and positioned as

to be seen as an integral feature of the building.

•

Display panels should be in scale with the building on

which they are sited and with adjacent buildings.

8.2

Large scale advertising will also be allowed on scaffolding

that is being used in relation to construction sites, provided

that the construction works are being carried out according

to a valid development permit and without prejudice to site

safety regulations. This type of advertising will be allowed

on condition that

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

1. Transport Malta clearance is obtained.

2. Does not go against any other condition imposed in the

permit of the same development.

3. The advertisement is to be removed once the building

is completed.

Road Safety

All advertisements are intended to attract attention and hence

present a potential traffic safety hazard. On traffic islands and

central strips advertisements will not normally be allowed.

Together with the general principles for the location of

advertisements described above, advertisements must

conform to the road safety criteria set out by the Transport

Malta (TM).

Minimum Submission Requirements

The following information must be submitted with all

development planning applications

1. Standard requirements (application forms, payment

receipt etc).

2. Site plan (scale 1:2500), showing coordinates.

3. Block plan (scale 1:250) drawn on a surveyed plan,

including site levels (rather than an enlarged site plan),

clearly indicating orientation of proposed billboard/

advert.

4. Section through site and billboard to show the

relationship of the billboard structure to street level

5. Photomontage of billboard as seen from the road.

6. Details of proposed billboard (i.e. size and dimensions)

showing overall width, height, depth and colours

(including support structure); details of proposed

display movement, if any.

7. Where embellishment is required, the extent of the

scheme should be shown and details should be clearly

indicated on plan, together with details of species to be

planted and a schedule of maintenance.

8. Where lighting is to be used, details should be provided

as to the light source and type, whether static or

intermittent and where the power source will come

from – energy-efficient power sources will be

encouraged (e.g. solar panels).

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9. Details of structure and foundation.

Standard Conditions

11.1 The following are the conditions to be imposed in all

development permits issued on billboards

(a)

This development permission covers the installation

of a billboard designed and oriented as indicated on

the approved drawings. The graphic design shall not

exceed or extend beyond the area of the billboard.

(b)

The billboard hereby permitted shall be removed

without any compensation, in case of any works that

might be affected in view of future infrastructure

works, road widening or other projects that are in the

public interest.

(c)

Where the billboard is required to be removed, the

removal shall be carried out to the reasonable

satisfaction of the Planning Authority.

(d)

This consent is subject to review if the billboard is

deemed by the Authority to cause a threat to public

safety or a traffic hazard, having regard to any

development plans and any other material

considerations, and the Planning Authority may at

any time, serve a notice requiring the billboard to be

removed and the site returned to its condition prior to

the display of the billboard.

(e)

Any structure or hoarding erected or used principally

for the purpose of displaying the billboard hereby

permitted shall be maintained in a safe and clean

condition.

(f)

The billboard hereby permitted shall not be sited or

displayed so as to obscure or hinder the ready

interpretation of any road traffic sign, or aid to

navigation by water or air, or so as to otherwise

render hazardous the use of any means of travel.

11.2 The following condition is applicable where it is apparent

that soft or hard landscaping, will be affected by the

excavation of the billboards’ supporting concrete block

-

This development permission is subject to a bank

guarantee of € X,XXX (xxx xxx euro) in favour of the

Planning Authority to ensure that the landscaped area,

affected by the excavation for the installation of the

concrete supporting block, is reinstated to the original

state. If the affected landscaping is, in any way,

irreparably damaged, the bank guarantee shall be

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

forfeited in favour of the Planning Authority. The bank

guarantee shall be released once the works have been

carried out to the satisfaction of the Planning

Authority.

Application of Policy Document

As with other planning policy documents, the Policy set out

above must be considered and applied within the context

provided by other policies. (For the full text of these policies,

see the Official Manual on the Planning Authority’s website at

http://www.pa.org.mt). The policies in this document do not

supersede these other policies, but are supplementary to them,

and provide more detailed guidance where this is absent from

these other policy documents.

Appendix A

Transport Malta technical conditions for the placing of

non-electronic Billboards

1. Preferably, billboards should not be placed within 50 meters

of approaching junctions having all turning movements, or

pedestrian crossings so as not to pose any hazards.

2. There is to be a minimum clear distance of 500mm between

the overhang of any billboards and outer kerb or carriageway.

This width is increased to 600mm where there is a cross fall

or camber or where there is a central reservation, and

increased to 1200mm on high speed roads (80km/h).

3. A minimum clear width of 1200mm is to be allowed on the

footpath for the free passage of pedestrians.

4. A minimum clear height of 2100mm is to be allowed provided

that there are no cyclist paths and a clear height of 900 –

1500mm is to be allowed if there is no footway and there is no

pedestrian movement or cyclists.

5. Billboards or any of their attachments or supports are not to

cause glare.

6. The supports of any billboards are not to obstruct or deviate

the flow of storm water runoff.

7. Preferably they should be placed on the nearside of the road

and only placed on the far side where it is a one-way street or

dual carriageway with a centre strip.

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8. Billboards are not to be located on any part of the

carriageway;

9. The sighting of any billboard should not be such that it

impairs the sightlines to any directional, hazard or any signs

or any traffic lights, pelican crossing beacons and pedestrian

crossing belisha.

10. The size of any billboard shall not be less than six square

metres (6m²) and is not to exceed 3000mm by 6000mm,

placed transversely except for cases of adverts on bridges

and tunnels.

11. Preferably, the longitudinal distance of 50 meters is to be left

between successive billboards of the same facing.

12. The size of the lettering of billboards and signs is to be such

that it is easily legible and be very concise.

Material displayed on the billboard may not be offensive or

contrary to public decency or public security or otherwise

against the public interest.

No damages are to be incurred to any soft or hard

landscaping on site.

Third party rights are not to be affected.

The application of any billboard should be accompanied

with an architect’s report ensuring stability within all

weather conditions, as well as an insurance policy covering

third party rights.

A valid TM licence should be placed at all times on the

billboard structure and easily visible for inspection.

Width and height clearance of tunnels and bridges is not to

be compromised.

The owner/operator of the billboard has the full

responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the

billboard and its structure at all times.

Illumination is permitted on an advertisement or advertising

sign only if it does not lead to unsafe driving conditions, or

does not have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area

and where it is specifically not prohibited.

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Appendix B

Transport Malta conditions for the placing of electronic

advertising billboards

1. Preferably, electronic billboards or advertisements should not

be placed within 150 meters of junctions having all turning

movements, or pedestrian crossings so as not to pose any

hazards.

2. Preferably, a clear distance of 150 meters is to be left between

successive electronic billboards.

3. Only one (1) electronic screen is to be allowed at a single

location.

4. The duration of the message being displayed is recommended

to be at least 8 seconds. To minimise distractions one is to

reduce the chance that a driver will see more than one display

on approach by applying the following formula to work out

the display time to be compared to a minimum of 8s or

whichever the greater

Minimum Display Time (s) =

Sight Distance to Electronic Billboard (m)

Speed Limit (m/s)

5. The transition time between messages is not to be more the 1

second. For electronic signs the complete screen display

should change instantaneously.

6. Message sequencing is not to be allowed on electronic

billboards.

7. Brightness is to be adjusted in response to changes in light

levels so that the signs are not unreasonably bright for the

safety of the motoring public. The brightness level is not to

exceed 300 candela/m 2 during the day and 100 candela/m 2

during the night.

8. Electronic screens shall have default design to freeze the

display if a malfunction occurs.

9. The display is to contain static messages without movement

such as animation, flashing, scrolling, intermittent or motion

videos.

10. A minimum clear width of 1200mm is to be allowed on the

footpath for the free passage of pedestrians.

11. A minimum clear height of 2100mm is to be allowed provided

that there are no cyclists and a clear height of 900 – 1500mm

is to be allowed if there is no footway and there is no

pedestrian movement or cyclists.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

12. Electronic billboards or signs or any of their attachments or

supports are not to cause glare.

13. The supports of any billboards are not to obstruct or deviate

the flow of storm water runoff.

14. Preferably they should be placed on the nearside of the road

and only placed on the offside where it is a one-way street or

dual carriageway with a centre strip, wide enough to include

a billboard.

15. Electronic billboards are not to be located on any part of the

carriageway.

16. The siting of any billboard should not be such that it impairs

the sightlines to any directional, hazard or warning signs or

any traffic lights, pelican crossing beacons and pedestrian

crossing belisha.

17. The support of any billboard must be stable in all weather

conditions.

18. Electronic billboards are to be located only at approved

locations.

19. The size of any billboard shall not be less than six square

metres (6m²) and is not to exceed 3000mm by 6000mm,

placed transversely.

20. Preferably, a clear distance of 75 meters is to be left between

electronic billboards/signs and other non-electronic

billboards.

The size of the lettering of billboards and signs is to be such

that it is easily legible and be very concise.

Material displayed on the billboard may not be offensive or

contrary to public decency or public security or otherwise

against the public interest.

No damages are to be incurred to any soft or hard

landscaping on site.

Third party rights are not to be affected.

BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

Appendix C

Definitions

"ELECTRONIC

ADVERTISEMENT"

means

an

advertisement which has an electronically controlled,

illuminated display surface, which allows all or a portion of

the advertisement to be changed or illuminated in different

ways.

"LUMINANCE" is a measure of how bright an illuminated

area appears to the human eye and is measured in candela/m².

NOTE: A footcandle meter is also known as a lux meter. It

measures the amount of light arriving at the meter

(illuminance) as opposed to an absolute measurement of the

amount of light emanating from a light source or light sources

(luminance). A footcandle is a measure of lumens (light rays)

that fall on one square foot area. Lux is the metric equivalent

of a footcandle.

In contrast, a candela meter measures the amount of light

emanating from a specific light source (luminance). It

measures candelas (a measure of luminance or brightness)

emanating from a specific light source. It excludes ambient

light (which may include light from many sources) from the

measurement. The OAAA does not recommend using

standard candela levels and/or the use of a candela meter to

measure the brightness of digital billboards.