Billposting

Billposting is the act of placing posters, notices, or advertisements on public surfaces to communicate information or promote events, products, or causes. It has a long history in urban environments and can involve affixing materials to walls, poles, kiosks, or designated billposting boards.

Traditionally, billposting relied on paste or glue applied by hand or by teams of billposters, with posters designed for high visibility and temporary display. In many places, postings were allowed with the property owner’s consent or under official permits; posters placed without permission—often called flyposting—were typically illegal or subject to removal.

Regulatory frameworks govern billposting in modern contexts. Local ordinances may specify permitted locations, maximum sizes, posting durations, and licensing requirements. Certain sites, such as historic landmarks, transit vehicles, or private property, may prohibit postings altogether. Enforcement can include fines, mandatory removal, and license suspensions for repeat offenders. Advertisers must usually comply with standards governing content, public safety, and neighborhood impact.

The practice has declined in some regions due to the rise of digital advertising, increased enforcement, and concerns about urban cleanliness. However, it remains active in areas with designated poster zones, community boards, or event-focused campaigns. Billposting continues to serve as a low-cost, tangible means of reaching pedestrians for cultural events, local announcements, political messages, and promotions where permitted.