Concerns over Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules permitting hoardings in violation of road safety norms

The Hindu

07-07-2025

Concerns have been raised over provisions in the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, which permit advertisements on medians, flyovers, barricades, and vehicles, allegedly in violation of Indian Road Congress (IRC) safety norms and earlier High Court directions.
Rule 322(1) of the Rules allow hoardings and display materials to be installed on a range of public infrastructure, including flyover pillars, road medians, traffic barricades, streetlight poles, and moving vehicles fitted with digital screens.
According to IRC 46:1972, advertisements are not permitted within 100 metres of road junctions (50 metres in urban areas), within 10 metres from the edge of the carriageway, or within the right-of-way of highways. Hanging banners across roads and flashing or moving-light advertisements—except for public information—are also prohibited.
K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, said the rule overlooks long-standing safety restrictions and judicial orders. 'Advertisements are being permitted in zones considered hazardous under IRC guidelines. These include areas near junctions, along highways, and even directly above carriageways,' he said.
'The rules must be withdrawn in their present form and redrafted in full compliance with IRC guidelines. Road safety cannot be compromised for the sake of revenue. We have urged the government to ensure that future regulations are framed with safety as the primary consideration,' he added.
'In earlier court proceedings in 2011, 2016, and 2017, the State itself acknowledged that advertisements on medians and barricades posed risks to drivers. Despite those submissions, the present rule reintroduces such practices. The High Court had also held that barricades should not be used for commercial advertisements, allowing only informative materials.'
He further raised concern over the shift in licensing authority from District Collectors to urban local body officials, stating that it had resulted in reduced oversight and an increase in violations.
The rules have been criticised for prioritising local body revenue over road safety, without consulting transport authorities. The Madras High Court has admitted the public interest litigation and directed officials to respond within eight weeks.
Corporation officials said the matter will be looked into.