Illegal car signs warning issued

DUBLIN City Council has issued a warning about the proliferation of ‘Cash for Cars’ signs in the capital after revealing that over 5,000 of them have been removed from the capitalís streets over the past 18 months.

In a statement to Northside People, the city council pointed out that the signs are illegal and also pose a safety risk to motorists.

It is also urging car owners who are thinking of selling or disposing of their vehicles through the advertisements to reconsider.

Dublin City Council’s Litter Prevention Officer, Bernie Lillis, said: “Cash for Car signs have blighted the streets of Dublin over the last number of years.

“Our Waste Management Department take these signs down on site and will continue to do so.

“We are also passing these phone numbers on to the gardaÃ? and have been liaising with them on the possibility of disconnecting the phone numbers in question.”

Dublin City Council is strongly advising motorists not to respond to the signs, stating that:

ïThe signs are illegal and, under the Litter Pollution Act 1999, are subject to a fine of

?¬150 each or

?¬4,000 if convicted in court.

“The signs are a distraction to motorists and as a result pose a safety risk to road users.

“Motorists also need to be aware that they have a responsibility to ensure that change of ownership is done correctly in order that any charges, fines or penalty points are attributed to the rightful owner. Motorists should contact their local Motor Tax office for advice on this.”

Ms Lillis said the warning was part of a multi inter-agency approach between Dublinís four local authorities and the gardai.

Tommy Broughan, an Independent TD for Dublin Bay North, said he remains concerned about the prevalence of the signs right across the Greater Dublin area and in his constituency.

“I have already put my concerns to Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, and she has informed me about the inter-agency response to dealing with these signs,” Deputy Broughan told Northside People.

“I welcome the renewed commitment by the authorities, including Dublin City Council and An Garda Siochana, to address the issue.

“One of the key problems with the widespread nature of the signs appears to be the use of disposable mobile phones.”

Deputy Broughan said the use of these phones – also known as ‘burners’ – which are not registered, makes it difficult to trace any individual involved in alleged illegal activity of this kind.

“This is an issue I will be raising in Dail Eireann in the coming weeks,” he added.

“Obviously, there are also very serious issues about the protection of consumers and workers in the legitimate car sales business in the ongoing proliferation of these signs.”