a guide to improving your local environment - Keep Britain Tidy

www.encams.org
What action can local authorities take
Local authorities are responsible for cleaning up graffiti
from public property. Some councils have rapid response
units that will send someone out to clean up graffiti as
soon as it is reported. Many cleansing units have the
remit of cleaning up graffiti when they are cleansing
the streets.
Protective coatings can be used in locations that are
vulnerable to graffiti. Most authorities with a graffiti
problem adopt a combination of deterrent, protective and
removal methods. Because neither deterrent nor
protective materials or devices will entirely defeat
determined graffiti offenders, the main remedy is
prompt removal.
GRAFFITI
What can individuals do
Initially individuals should report graffiti to their local
authority. The council or its contractor will remove graffiti
from public buildings, street furniture or monuments. It
should also be able to help where graffiti has appeared
on private buildings.
What action has ENCAMS taken
ENCAMS ran a campaign in early 2004 highlighting the
message that ‘graffiti is not art’ and promoting a zero
tolerance approach to the issue. This was achieved by
getting politicians and local authorities to change their
perspective and policies on graffiti.
A high profile media campaign was launched to raise
awareness of the problem and highlight the negative
impact graffiti has on both communities and businesses
throughout the UK. National and local media were
targeted, specifically emphasising the effect this type of
vandalism has on the perception of an area, its link to
crime and the part it plays in fear of crime. All Members
of Parliament were written to asking them to endorse the
campaign on behalf of the residents and businesses in
their constituency.
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