Unauthorized billboards in Chisinau will be removed by force

Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca suggested starting taking down the billboards set up illegally on the road that connects the airport and the capital city before the June 1 deadline, Info-Prim Neo reports. The authorities say the economic entities try to find different ways to avoid taking those billboards away. One of the reasons invoked is the contracts for the provision of advertisings services signed with companies owning the billboards. Dorin Chirtoaca urged the Botanica district head’s office to begin removing the billboards, with the consent of the relevant companies. “They were given time to do it by June 1, but they ignore again the decisions taken by the City Hall and the Chisinau Municipal Council. Take down several billboards this week and several billboards next week so that things go on,” he stated. The mayor stressed that this is a case of impudence as these companies have worked in the municipality of Chisinau for about 20 years in very good conditions. “They earned money not only for buying the billboards, but also for making constant profit,” said Dorin Chirtoaca, adding that the billboards placed illegally must be removed together with the stand. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, the secretary of the Association of Advertising Agencies Margarita Smitsakaya said that the situation is unclear, while the mayor makes statements without gathering information. As to the work of the advertising companies, she stated that they pay taxes into the municipal budget, as the other businesses. Al least 15 companies asked annulling the order to take the billboards down. Last July, the legislative body adopted amendments to the Road Law, banning the setting up of billboards at a distance smaller than six meters from the roadway and near bridges, viaducts and road barriers. Outside settlements, the billboards must be built up at a distance of minimum 150 meters of stoplights.