The City of Canning has reminded local government candidates to follow their election signage recommendations following complaints from an Albany Highway business owner about Canning mayoral hopeful Jessie Jacob’s campaign van.
Earlier this month Mr Jacobs’ campaign van was parked on Main Roads WA land in St James near Botts chemist.
Botts chemist owner Trevor Leith said the van blocked visibility of his business to passers by on Albany Highway.
He said the van was parked there for up to a week and when he spoke to the driver of it his concerns were dismissed.
“I am particularly upset that my own advertising and open sign could not be viewed from Albany Highway,” he said.
“It is not uncommon for a parent or care-giver to need a pharmacy as a matter of urgency and I fear on these days and nights people were unable to see my signage from the highway.
“It wasn’t my land so he didn’t have to ask me for permission but I thought just out of courtesy he would have done something along those lines, asking me look do you object to it or is it ok?”
Mr Jacobs said he did not receive a complaint from Mr Leith but he would have moved the van if there were any issues.
“It is a mobile thing and it moves around, if he told me it’s too easy you get in the van and drive it somewhere else, it’s not a big deal,” he said.
“I think you’ll find that a lot of people park there.”
Canning commissioner Steven Cole said the city had election signage guidelines on its website and he encouraged candidates to follow them.
“The city can act on complaints from the public about election signage if the sign or signage vehicle is located on public land such as a street, verge or other public place,” he said.
“Candidates must seek a licence from the city to display signage, unless it is exempt from that requirement, and seek landowner consent for installation of the sign.
“Signs on private property may be installed with consent of the land owner.”
Under the city’s local laws and guidelines signs exempt from the need for a licence included portable signs and signs less than two square metres not erected on local government property for more then 28 days before the election day.
