The GRTU has slammed "hurried" changes in billboard regulations, saying they were made without any consultation and with no regard for the advertising commitments made by its members. 

It accused the government of throwing all forms of roadside advertisements into one basket. 

Under the changes, every form of roadside advert will now require a MEPA permit and must display the planning authority's reference number. Advertisers will also have to pay a yearly €1,500 fee to Transport Malta. 

Billboards have sprung up all over the Maltese islands.

Earlier this week, the PN succeeded in obtaining court approval to stop Transport Malta and MEPA from removing its roadside billboards. The party had argued that the new regulations were effectively muzzling it from spreading its political message. A final decision on the case is expected on April 25. 

In a statement, the GRTU argued that the new regulations were introduced with no consultation and practically overnight. "The sector...is now faced with a situation where it is not able to honour advertising commitments made before the law was published," it said. 

It argued that the new requirements would also negatively impact the design of logos and shop signs, as well as go against franchises' branding rules. 

GRTU called for the law to be repealed and said it would be meeting the relevant ministries shortly to ensure that the law is put into force only following drastic changes.