Helsinki will start removing incorrectly placed advertisements

Starting in November, the City of Helsinki will start sending relocation notices to installers of advertisements and display stands that are placed in violation of the guidelines. Ads that have not been relocated within the deadline will be removed.
The City of Helsinki will start sending relocation notices to installers of advertisements and display stands that are placed in violation of the guidelines.
The advertisement stand is placed on the wrong side of the road. According to the guidelines, the advertisement belongs on the pavement in front of the place of business, which in this case is on the other side of the road. Photo: City of Helsinki

The relocation notices apply to advertisements that interfere with accessibility and traffic. They can be portable display stands, known as A-stands, or larger roadside billboards and advertising equipment. Paper and cardboard advertisements will be removed and discarded without notice.

You can place an A-stand on the sidewalk in front of business premises free of charge. However, it must leave enough space for prams or wheelchairs, for example. In addition, advertising stands must not pose a hazard to the mobility of people with visual impairments or interfere with traffic.

According to the Road Traffic Act, advertisements must not interfere with traffic, resemble road signs or impair the visibility or effectiveness of road signs.

Removed ads are usually not recoverable

It is best to relocate or remove the ad yourself, as it is usually impossible to recover an ad the city has removed. Removed A-stands, advertising signs and devices are either stored, sold or discarded.

Instructions for installing advertisements are available on the City of Helsinki’s website. Please send your enquiries regarding removed ads to ulkoilma@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)