The town hall in Valašské Meziříčí wants to fight against visual smog

Valašské Meziříčí - The town hall in Valašské Meziříčí in the Vsetín region wants to combat so-called visual smog in the city, meaning the oversaturation of public space with inappropriate advertising. The council has halted the arbitrary placement of advertising signs throughout the city, spokesman Jakub Mikuš told ČTK today. From now on, the occupation of public space in city greenery will only be permitted in pre-defined locations.

The city has focused on eliminating visual smog in cooperation with the city architect, who is the Brno architectural studio Chybík + Krištof. "For example, in the square, we are negotiating with the owners of individual properties about the visual appearance of their advertisements. If they decide to change to better match the environment of the city conservation area, we will contribute 30,000 crowns," said deputy mayor Yvona Wojaczková (ANO).

Advertising signs will not be allowed, for example, around the main road through the city or in other locations. "It repeatedly happened that organizers of various, especially private sports, cultural, or other events literally flooded the streets of our city with advertisements. Therefore, we have decided to put a stop to this nuisance," said the deputy mayor.

"Now, the occupation of public space in city greenery for advertising signs and other similar media will only be permitted at ten locations in the city center and one in each of our six local parts. In selecting locations, we relied on long-term experience. Approval for the occupation will then continue to be issued by our property management department," Wojaczková stated. If someone places an advertisement in an unauthorized spot, they risk a fine.