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News • July 22nd, 2026
|A Lincolnshire roofing company has been ordered to pay over £4,500 after refusing to take down illegal advertising signs around York. This decision was made by York Magistrates following a series of notices and fines issued to the company, Bastfix Roofing and Gutters Ltd., for their fly-posting activities.
Background of the Case
In late November 2025, City of York Council officers noticed numerous signs promoting Bastfix Roofing cropping up across the city. These signs were placed on various structures, including signposts and railings, particularly on Stockton Lane and Clifton Moorgate. However, these signs were not just unsightly; they were illegal and posed serious safety risks. They distracted drivers, obstructed visibility, and could create hazards during their installation and removal.
Attempts to Resolve the Issue
Upon discovering the signs, the Council took immediate action by emailing Bastfix Roofing, demanding the removal of the signs within seven days. They also contacted the company's registered address in Spalding, Lincolnshire, as well as a local office that was allegedly situated on Malton Road in York. Unfortunately, the company did not comply with the Council's request.
When the Council called the phone number displayed on the fly posters, a representative from Bastfix refused to take the signs down, claiming that the law was “unfair.” Despite several reminders sent via email and post, including an extension of the deadline to accommodate the Christmas period, the signs remained in place.
Legal Consequences
By January 2026, the situation had not improved, so the Council proceeded to remove the signs themselves. For each of the three offences, they issued fixed penalty notices of £500. However, the company did not pay these fines. Consequently, Bastfix Roofing was interviewed under caution via letter, but again, no response was received. This lack of communication led to the case being escalated to York Magistrates Court.
On Thursday, 8 July 2026, the court case was held, but no representatives from Bastfix attended. As a result, the court found the company guilty of fly-posting. The penalties imposed were significant: a fine of £2,500, costs amounting to £1,089.04, and an additional surcharge of £1,000, bringing the total to £4,589.04.
Official Statements
Councillor Jenny Kent, the Executive Member for Environment at City of York Council, emphasised the seriousness of fly-posting:
“Posting any sign to the highway without consent is a criminal offence. The court has taken this seriously with the scale of fine. Fly-posting is dangerous as it can cause distraction to road users, obstructs visibility and can obscure important information, as well as creating a hazard during installation and removal.”
What This Means for the Community
This ruling sends a strong message about the importance of following advertising regulations in York. It highlights the need for businesses to understand that placing signs without permission is not only illegal but can also jeopardise public safety. For anyone looking to advertise on Council land or property, it is essential to apply for the correct permissions through the City of York Council’s website. Unauthorized signage can lead to hefty fines and legal action, as seen in this case.
Residents and visitors in York are encouraged to report any illegal signage they come across. The Council has made it easy to do so, with a dedicated webpage for reporting fly-posting. This proactive approach helps maintain the city’s appearance and safety for everyone.
How to Report Fly-Posting
For those who spot any unauthorised signage in York, it is important to report it. The Council provides a straightforward way to do this:
Visit: www.york.gov.uk/Flyposting
Additionally, businesses wanting to place signs must apply for advertisement planning permission through the Council's website: www.york.gov.uk/AdvertisementPlanningPermission.
This case serves as a reminder that while advertising is essential for businesses, it must be done lawfully and responsibly. The ruling against Bastfix Roofing may deter others from similar practices, ensuring that York remains a safe and visually appealing city for all its inhabitants and visitors.
