Report Illegal Advertising to Manchester Council

Signs and Advertising England 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

In Manchester, England, illegal or dangerous advertising on streets, buildings and highways is handled by council planning, highways and environmental teams. This guide explains who enforces advertising controls, how to report unsafe or unauthorised signs, and what to expect from enforcement and appeals. Use the steps below to prepare evidence, submit a complaint and follow up with the responsible department so the council can remove hazards or take legal action.

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for unauthorised or hazardous advertising is shared across Manchester City Council planning enforcement, highways officers and street-scene teams. Enforcement options include removal of the advertisement, enforcement notices, prosecution and recovery of removal costs. Specific fine amounts are not given on the council guidance page cited here; see the official planning enforcement and adverts pages for the council's procedures and statutory references.[1][2]

Keep clear photographic evidence with dates and location before reporting.
  • Typical council actions: serve enforcement notice, remove sign, recover costs.
  • Prosecution: the council may pursue criminal prosecution where statutory offences apply; amounts and sentencing ranges are not specified on the cited council page.
  • Fines and financial penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Manchester City Council Planning Enforcement and Highways/Street Scene teams receive complaints and inspect reported adverts.[1]
  • Inspections: officers may inspect, photograph and record risks; immediate hazards can be removed by the council.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeals against enforcement notices follow statutory routes through the Planning Inspectorate; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited council guidance and should be checked on the enforcement notice when issued.

Applications & Forms

Advertisement consent and complaints are handled via the council planning pages. To apply for lawful advertisement consent you must use the council's planning application process; the specific application names, form numbers, fees and payment methods are published on the advertisement consent page.[2]

How to Report Unsafe or Illegal Advertising

Provide clear location details, the nature of the danger (risk of collapse, obscured sightlines, electrical defect), dates and recent photos. If the sign is on the public highway or affecting traffic safety, note vehicle or pedestrian obstruction and any immediate hazard to road users.

If a sign poses an immediate danger call emergency services and then inform the council.
  • Gather evidence: photos, exact address or nearest postcode, time and date.
  • Report to the council via the planning enforcement or report-a-problem pages; use the highways reporting route if it obstructs the carriageway or footway.
  • Keep a record of your report reference and any officer contact details.
  • Follow up if the hazard persists after reasonable time; request an update and escalation to enforcement if necessary.

FAQ

Who enforces rules on signs in Manchester?
The council's Planning Enforcement team and Highways/Street Scene teams enforce advertising controls and safety issues in Manchester.
Can the council remove an unsafe sign immediately?
Yes. Immediate hazards that present danger to the public or traffic may be removed by the council; the council may recover removal costs from the owner.
Do I need to pay to report an illegal sign?
No, reporting to the council is free. Any application for advertisement consent carries a fee which is set out on the council planning pages.

How-To

  1. Document the sign with dated photographs and note the exact location.
  2. Submit a report to Manchester City Council via the planning enforcement/reporting pages or highways report route.
  3. Save the council reference, respond to any officer requests, and supply further evidence if asked.
  4. If an enforcement notice is issued and you disagree, check the notice for appeal time limits and appeal via the Planning Inspectorate process.

Key Takeaways

  • Report dangerous or unauthorised adverts promptly with photos and exact location.
  • The council can remove immediate hazards and pursue enforcement or prosecution.
  • Apply for advertisement consent via the council planning process where required.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Manchester City Council - Planning Enforcement
  2. [2] Manchester City Council - Advertisements and Advertisement Consent

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