'No hoardings at intersections' : Andhra amending advertisement policy; to enforce strict regulations

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government is all set to enforce stricter regulations on putting up hoardings and flexi banners in cities and towns.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department is finalising amendments to the existing advertisement policy and will soon issue fresh guidelines. The proposals have been sent to the state government for approval.

Under new guidelines, no hoardings or flexi signs can be placed at major intersections or public locations without obtaining licenses and paying the prescribed fees to urban local bodies.

The move comes after the High Court recently expressed concern over the widespread installation of hoardings without any uniform system or procedure. Acting on the court’s directives, the MA&UD Department has initiated steps to identify and remove illegally erected structures and report the action taken.

Following the implementation of GST, advertisement tax collection by local bodies had come to a halt, leading to legal disputes as several advertising agencies challenged the reintroduction of taxes after paying GST. To streamline the system, the government is now replacing the advertisement tax with a new ‘Display Devices Fee’. Officials clarify that since GST is already being paid, the issue of double taxation will not arise.

Under the revised policy, private advertising agencies must obtain licenses from urban local bodies, which must be renewed every three years. Only licensed agencies will be permitted to erect hoardings and flexi banners. The fee structure—based on the size of the display—will also be revised upward. With the new system in place, the current annual revenue of ₹100–150 crore from hoardings is expected to exceed ₹200 crore.

Urban local bodies will additionally issue temporary permits for individuals who wish to install hoardings or flexi signs for short-term purposes, with fees charged accordingly.

To curb unauthorized displays, a special monitoring mechanism will be introduced. Hoardings that obstruct traffic, pose safety risks, or are installed in prohibited areas will be identified and removed. Permissions will be granted only for locations that meet safety and regulatory standards.