Glasgow Campaign Sign Bylaws for Elections

Signs and Advertising Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, campaign signs, posters and other election advertising are controlled by a mix of planning rules, highways law and private-land permissions. Candidates, agents and volunteers must check local advertisement controls and avoid placing signs on the public carriageway, traffic sightlines or street furniture without consent. This article summarises who enforces the rules, typical restrictions you will meet during an election period, how to apply for any required consent, steps to resolve disputes and where to report illegal or unsafe signage.

Where campaign signs are regulated

Local planning controls regulate advertisements that are visible from a public place; the council also enforces highway safety and obstruction rules. Private landowners must be asked for permission before placing signs on their property. Temporary election posters are often tolerated on private property but may still require advertisement consent if they are highly visible from the street.

  • Size, illumination and siting of signs can be subject to advertisement consent under planning laws.
  • Signs that obstruct footways, cycle lanes or visibility at junctions are prohibited for highway safety reasons.
  • Permission from the landowner is required for signs on private property; without it the owner can remove the sign.
Always obtain the landowner's consent before erecting campaign signs on private property.

Penalties & Enforcement

Financial penalties for unauthorised advertisements and checks for highway obstruction vary by instrument and case; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.

  • Financial penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: enforcement may start with a notice or warning and escalate to removal or prosecution for repeat or continuing offences; precise escalation steps are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, enforcement notices, seizure of unauthorised structures and court action are used where necessary.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the instrument used (planning appeal or statutory review); statutory time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Glasgow City Council Planning Enforcement handles advertisement consent breaches; report complaints to the council via the Planning Enforcement contact page Glasgow City Council planning enforcement[1].

Applications & Forms

Advertisement consent is commonly required for permanent or illuminated signage; temporary, small-scale campaign posters on private property may not need formal consent but subject to local rules. The council publishes application forms and guidance for advertisement consent; if a specific form number or fixed fee is required that detail is not specified on the cited page.

  • How to apply: submit an advertisement consent application through Glasgow City Council's planning portal or by following the council guidance for adverts.
  • Deadlines: apply well before the campaign start to allow determination; statutory determination periods vary and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: where a fee applies it is set by the council or planning regulations; exact fees are not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Do I need permission to put a campaign sign on private property?
You must have the landowner's permission; even with permission, highly visible signs may still need advertisement consent under planning rules.
Can I attach posters to lamp-posts or traffic signs?
Do not attach posters to street furniture or traffic signs because that can cause obstruction and is usually prohibited; use private property or secured display boards instead.
How long must I remove signs after the election?
Removal timeframes vary by local policy and are not specified on the cited page; remove temporary campaign signs promptly after the poll or when instructed by the landowner or council.

How-To

  1. Check whether your intended site is public carriageway, street furniture or private land and obtain the landowner's consent if required.
  2. Consult Glasgow City Council planning guidance for advertisements to see if advertisement consent is required for size, illumination or permanence.
  3. Avoid placing signs that block sightlines, obstruct pavements or interfere with road signs and traffic signals.
  4. If you suspect unlawful or unsafe signage, report it to Glasgow City Council Planning Enforcement or, for immediate highway danger, contact Police Scotland.
  5. Remove all temporary signs promptly after the election or when requested by the landowner or the council to avoid enforcement action.

Key Takeaways

  • Get written permission from landowners before installing signs on private property.
  • Never place signs that obstruct roads, footways or sightlines.
  • Contact Glasgow City Council Planning Enforcement to report unauthorised or unsafe signage.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Glasgow Council - Advertisements and signs guidance

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