London authorities stepped up their campaign against flyposting yesterday by targeting the agency who actually undertake many of the major flyposting campaigns, Diabolical Liberties.
As previously reported, two London councils - Camden and Westminster recently used new anti-social behaviour legislation to try and tackle the long term problem of flyposting. Initially they applied for 'anti-social behaviour orders' against individual marketing executives at record labels and media companies. Had the courts issued those orders the named individuals would have been liable to personal fines or even jail if they were involved in any project that involved flyposting. Most of the key companies in the music and media industries have subsequently pledged to stop flyposting in order to avoid being targeted with said orders.
Yesterday Camden Council confirmed it was now targeting Diabolical Liberties with the same legal threat. The council hopes to secure ABSOs against the company's MD Tim Horrox, and three employees, Anna McAree, Dominic Murphy and James Heighway.
It is no secret that Diabolical Liberties undertake most of the major flyposting campaigns. They argue that they flypost in a responsible way and that the practice enhances London's cultural community. The council, however, does not agree, arguing their flyposting litters the streets and costs local taxpayers £250,000 (GBP) per annum - the cost of removing the posters. The council has fought a long battle against the company – prior to the use of ASBOs the legal process for targeting companies that flypost was full of loopholes that made prosecution very difficult. Councillor Dame Jane Roberts, Leader of Camden Council, says: "We have been tremendously encouraged by the positive response from residents, businesses and visitors to the borough to Camden Council's anti-flyposting campaign, as well as from other organisations and individuals and the media. Despite the positive impact of our campaign, we know that illegal flyposting remains a major cause of alarm and distress for many people in the London Borough of Camden: it makes people feel unsafe and uncomfortable and impacts negatively on the quality of the environment. This is why we are determined to outlaw it, as part of our commitment to making the borough a cleaner, greener and more attractive place to be."
It will be interesting to see how Diabolical Liberties respond. They have more to lose in giving up flyposting that the record labels or media companies, which means it is likely the case will go to court (all other targets of ASBO committed to give up flyposting before going to court).
Some question whether or not flyposting really counts as anti-social behaviour, and hint the courts might not actually grant the orders the local authorities have asked for. If that were to happen Diabolical Liberties would not only be off the hook, but the labels and media companies who recently stopped flyposting would no doubt start hiring their services again.