A ban on placing advertising banners on railings around the Island has been defended.

The Department of Transport is no longer allowing organisations and individuals – including charities - to fix banners to railings.

The heavy-handed approach has been criticised by many but department chiefs say they could become a safety hazard and come loose.

DoT member for highways, David Quirk, says banners can block visibility for drivers and pedestrians, as well as distracting motorists.