JEDDAH, 28 December 2005 — The Jeddah municipality has begun removing billboards that violate a Dec. 25 deadline for the removal of what city officials call an eyesore and a danger.
Jeddah Mayor Adel Faqeeh said illegal billboards would be removed at their owners’ expense.
Furthermore, the mayor also said that legal billboards will not be allowed to have their licenses renewed and will have to come down, too, once the terms of their leases have expired.
The owners of billboards that have lingered past the deadline are subject to fines seven days after they receive a notice of incompliance. Owners of properties where the billboards reside are also subject to penalties.
Advertising agencies and their financial beneficiaries have also opposed the decision, saying it will cost the city millions.
Ahmad Saleh, a house owner who has a billboard on his rooftop, said that he has been paid quite well for renting his space on the way to the airport. He said that he hopes officials will rescind their decree.
