East Riding of Yorkshire Council officials have reported a recent increase in the number of signed advertisements illegally displayed in Goole and Howden and warn fixed penalty notices (FPNS) could be issued.

Richard Stork, streetscene enforcement officer, said: "We would like to remind everyone of the law in relation to signs on the highways and would ask people to remove any illegal posters, placards or signs.

"The council is happy to offer advice to anyone who is unsure if they are acting within the law when placing signs.

“We would prefer to be approached for advice before signs are placed on the highway, rather than having to remove signs and issue FPNs."

He added: "The council takes all incidents of illegal advertisements seriously, whether they be on highway land, structures or in the street because they can present a hazard to pedestrians, distract motorists and could be a contributing factor to road traffic accidents.

"They also have a detrimental effect on the quality of the environment by creating an eyesore, often being left in place long after an event has taken place."

Under the Highways Act 1980, it is an offence to put up any advertisements on any structure, tree or item of street furniture on highways land.

The Town and County Planning Act 1990 places controls on advertisements on private land.

To report illegal fly posting or for advice, call the council's highways department on 01482 395739.