Herrity Takes Issue With Campaign Signs

Update: The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the measure on Tuesday. 

Original post

To a candidate, roadside campaign signs are a necessary way to get the word out about their campaign. But many people are frustrated to see would-be elected officials and lawmakers often illegally placing their message in VDOT's right-of-way. 

Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity wrote in the Fairfax Times recently that he would take up the issue at Tuesday's meeting of the Board of Supervisors. He said that the problem is particularly bad in Fairfax, because the county does not have the authority to immediately take them down. He also said that he would ask the board to direct the county executive to find cost-effective ways to remove the signs, among other steps. 

"Just four weeks ago, I was contacted by a constituent who told me that by placing my signs in the medians I was breaking the law," Herrity wrote. "Quite frankly, she was right, and I had no good answer for her — saying 'everybody does it' is just not good enough. It is time to enforce the law."

Herrity's comment illustrates the fact that most candidates are well aware that it is generally illegal to place their signs in medians. In an August letter, Lauren Mollerup, Transportation and Land Use Director for Fairfax County, asked the candidates to keep signs off the median, and outlined what is and is not allowed:

"The Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) rights of way are typically the areas immediately surrounding our roads and bridges. (If the area is mowed by VDOT, you know it is VDOT right of way.) Signs of any type are not permitted on the following:

• On roadway medians
• At intersections and turn lanes
• On any VDOT road signs
• On bridges and ramps
• Alongside roadways (generally VDOT right of way is about 12 feet from the shoulder)"

Although over a month has passed since the election, the signs remain scattered along some roadsides and medians in Centreville, such as Lee Highway. Fairfax County advises residents to call VDOT's customer service center at 1-800-367-7623 if they encounter signs that are a safety hazard. Otherwise, residents should contact the individual campaigns. 

Where are signs still illegally placed in Centreville? Tell us in the comments, or upload a photo with the date and location.