State Environmental Planning Policy No. 64 – Advertising and Signage (SEPP 64) sets out planning controls for advertising and signage in NSW. The SEPP requires signage to be compatible with:

Further the SEPP regulates signage, provides time-limited consents, regulates the display of advertising in transport corridors, and ensures that public benefits may be derived from advertising in and adjacent to transport corridors.

Changes were made in late 2017 to improve road safety and reduce driver distraction through State Environmental Planning Policy No. 64 – Advertising and Signage (Amendment No 3) and updated Transport Corridor Outdoor Advertising and Signage Guidelines (November 2017). View the State Environmental Planning Policy No. 64 – Advertising and Signage (Amendment No 3) (PDF) and the updated guidelines (PDF).

The change to ban trailer advertising came into effect on 1 March 2018. All other changes came into effect on 29 November 2017.

The changes to planning rules for outdoor advertising and signage will improve road safety and reduce driver distractions. During consultation, safety and amenity concerns were raised about roadside advertising trailers blocking motorists’ vision and distracting drivers. By reducing the types of roadside trailer advertising currently on our roads, we’ll minimise risks to drivers.

Allowing advertising in transport corridors will provide funding for transport agencies and councils to deliver public benefit programs, such as road safety improvements, better public transport services and improvements to public amenity.

The changes introduced $1500 fines for individuals and $3000 for businesses who advertise on trailers parked on roads, footpaths, nature strips and road shoulders or where trailer advertising is displayed on private land, without development consent. Local council will issue the fines.

The new penalty notice offences were introduced through the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation (Penalty Notices for Parked Trailer Advertisements) Regulation 2017.

The updated guidelines outline best practice for the planning and design of outdoor advertisements in transport corridors and complement the provisions of SEPP 64. Amendments to the guidelines address digital signage and reduce driver distraction.