KINGSTON'S ACTIVIST mayor is once again immersed in controversy over the placement of advertisements this time on motor vehicles. Our sister publication The STAR, in yesterday's edition pointed to his targeting the growing phenomenon of motorists using their rear windscreens to advertise upcoming events.
Mayor Desmond McKenzie now says the placement of these ads is illegal and subject to the Town and Country Planning Act. His particular concern is that the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation may be losing revenue through this method.
A careful reading of Section 3 (1) of the Act suggests, however, that the mayor may be overstepping his jurisdiction. With specific reference to advertisements, the Act seemed crafted to address other concerns, neither of which has detained the mayor. The Act refers to "amenity" and "public safety" the former addresses the suitability of displays in a particular locale whether they violate public taste or deface buildings; and the second addresses concerns of advertisements which may block clear view of a public thoroughfare.
Most of the advertisements on motor vehicles which seem to have arrested the mayor's attention are made of transparent material. So in fact, the motorists' view is not obstructed. And so far, we have not been able to ascertain any complaints that public morals or tastes have been violated.
Of more practical concern to us is the administrative nightmare that would be created if the mayor's interpretation is proven to be correct. Would a motorist travelling from Westmoreland, for example, be expected to pay revenue to the KSAC for advertising a parish event on his car, if he happens to arrive in Kingston ahead of said event? Should companies be expected to pay for advertising their products on company vehicles? Will company adverts on the popular polo shirts be the next target of the mayor?
We have already acknowledged that in some respects Mayor McKenzie's interventionist style is to be preferred to the inertia that prevailed in previous regimes. But there does appear too, to be a fair bit of grandstanding which the public can do well without.
The mayor will likely find that public support for his actions will remain firm when it is clear that he is acting in the best interest of the public and with due regard to a fair and accurate interpretation of the law.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
