Report Illegal or Unsafe Signs - Leeds Council Bylaw

Signs and Advertising England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Leeds, England, illegal or unsafe advertising signs on buildings, footpaths or highways can endanger the public and may breach local planning and highway rules. This page explains when to report a sign to Leeds City Council, which department enforces the rules, likely sanctions, and clear action steps to make a complaint or appeal.

When to report

Report signs that are damaged, unsecured, obstructing pavements, on the highway without consent, or that appear as unauthorised advertising. If a sign is an immediate danger to people or traffic, contact highways services right away.

  • Unsafe or unstable signs posing a collapse risk.
  • Signs obstructing pedestrian routes, tactile paving or cycle lanes.
  • Unauthorised advertising in a conservation area or on the highway without consent.
If a sign is an immediate danger, prioritise contacting highways rather than waiting to report online.

Penalties & Enforcement

Leeds City Council enforces planning controls for advertisements and the safety of signs on the highway through its planning and highways teams. Specific monetary fines and fixed penalty amounts are not specified on the cited page for general advertising enforcement; see the planning enforcement page for current procedures and powers.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the council enforcement page for details.[1]
  • Escalation: first, second and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page; formal notices and court action are indicated as possible remedies.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, removal orders, seizure of unsafe items, and prosecution through the magistrates' court may be used; exact powers are described on the council page.[1]
  • Enforcer: Leeds City Council planning enforcement and highways teams accept complaints and inspect reported signs; highways emergencies are handled by roads services.[2]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes against statutory notices are through the courts or planning appeal processes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If you receive a notice, check it carefully for appeal deadlines and follow the instructions to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

Advertisement consent (planning permission for signs) and enforcement complaints are administered by the council; a specific online complaint form or application name is not specified on the cited planning enforcement page, so use the council planning enforcement and highways reporting pages to submit details and attachments.[1][2]

How to report an illegal or unsafe sign

  1. Photograph the sign from safe distances showing condition, fixing points and surroundings.
  2. Note the exact location (postcode, nearest address or junction) and the time you observed the issue.
  3. Check whether the sign has advertisement consent or a planning reference if visible; if unknown, report as possibly unauthorised.
  4. Submit a report to Leeds City Council planning enforcement for unauthorised advertising or to highways for dangerous signs using the council pages and attach photos.Planning enforcement[1]
  5. For signs on the highway that are an immediate risk, contact the council roads/highways fault reporting service online or by telephone to request urgent inspection.Report a problem on the road or pavement[2]
Keep a record of your report reference and any photos you uploaded to help any follow-up or appeal.

Common violations and typical actions

  • Unauthorised A-boards on the pavement - council may remove or issue a notice.
  • Dilapidated construction hoarding - may be required to be made safe or removed.
  • Fly-posting and banners without consent - removal and enforcement action possible.

FAQ

Can I remove an illegal sign myself?
Generally no; removing signs can be hazardous and may risk liability—report to the council so they can assess safety and legal status.
How long before the council acts?
Response times vary by risk and workload; specific timeframes are not specified on the cited council pages.
What if the sign belongs to a utility or highway contractor?
If the sign is part of a works site or utility, notify highways or the site manager and the council so they can confirm permissions and safety measures.

How-To

  1. Identify and photograph the sign and hazard.
  2. Record the exact location and time.
  3. Gather any visible consent notices or contact details from the sign owner.
  4. Report to Leeds City Council planning enforcement for unauthorised adverts or highways for dangerous signs using the council pages and attach evidence.[1][2]
  5. Keep your report reference and follow up if the hazard persists.

Key Takeaways

  • Report unsafe or unauthorised signs promptly with photos and location.
  • Use Leeds City Council planning enforcement for advertising issues and highways reporting for immediate dangers.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Leeds City Council planning enforcement
  2. [2] Report a problem on the road or pavement - Leeds City Council

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