Punjab Municipal Corporation releases draft Outdoor Advertising Policy 2018

The much awaited Punjab Outdoor Advertising Policy 2018’s draft has been released by the Punjab Municipal Corporation for the review of concerned stakeholders. The draft titled ‘Balancing safety, aesthetics and revenue for public good’ comprises various aspects of the outdoor advertising industry including the basic policy which includes ensuring road safety and city aesthetics, categories of advertisement devices, role of urban local bodies, etc. Currently the corporation has invited suggestions and comments on the policy for further evaluation. After that, the policy is expected to be implemented from March 2018.

The draft policy is based upon a careful review of global studies on safety concerns pertaining to hoardings, revenue streams. “The draft is driven by city development imperatives”.

In the draft the advertisement formats have been categorised as follows:

•    Category 1: Large-format advertisements, mainly fixed on billboards/Unipoles/Bipoles/Variable Message advertising device such as LED, LCD Screens etc./and bridge / flyover panels/ Gantry etc.
•    Category 2: Advertisements mounted on public amenities, like public toilets, garbage collection points/Flag Signs etc.
•    Category 3: Fleets and transport related infrastructure.
•    Category 4: Advertisement devices for self-advertising in commercial areas

The advertisement regulatory committee (ARC) would be constituted at ULB level to accord prior approval to the advertisement sites/ devices identified by ULB before floating any tender.

To keep a check on illegal sites, a flying squad at the level of DLG would be constituted that would conduct random checking region wise of ULBs to ensure that there is strict compliance with all provisions of the policy.  

Punjab Outdoor Advertising Policy 2018 draft: http://www.media4growth.com/public/uploads/editor/2018-01-25/media/2b.-Punjab-Ad-Policy-2018.pdf