Graffiti Removal

The Council recognises that graffiti has a negative impact on the environment, is illegal and is the most common type of property vandalism contributing to people's fear of crime. Graffiti is typically broken down into two categories:

Non-Offensive Graffiti

Non-offensive graffiti can include drawings, scribbles, messages or 'tags' that are sprayed, written, painted or etched onto any surface.

Epping Forest District Council has a duty to remove non-offensive graffiti from its own property only, and we aim to do so within seven working days of any sighting or report.

Any non-offensive graffiti on privately owned buildings or street furniture is the responsibility of the property owner

Offensive Graffiti

Offensive graffiti may contain some or all of the following elements:

- Offensive language
- Language of a political, racial, religiously insulting or inciting nature
- A graphically explicit image
- A statement of hate

The Council can remove offensive graffiti from all property regardless of ownership or responsibility, and we aim to do so within 3 working days.

Please note that in most cases we cannot remove graffiti from non-council property such as post boxes, bus shelters, BT boxes, private houses/buildings etc. Please contact the following organisations directly:

Location - Road warning signs, Route signs (i.e. M11 or M25 etc), Traffic islands, bollards, Public Libraries, some road bridges
Agency - Essex County Council (Highways Department)
Telephone - 0845 743 0430
Email Highways.westarea@essexcc.gov.uk

Location - Telephone Boxes
Agency - British Telecom (BT)
Telephone 0800 661 610 (Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm)
Report via website http://www2.bt.com/contactus

Location - Green Electrical Boxes (With BT symbol on floor panel next to box)
Agency - British Telecom (BT)
Telephone 0800 800 151(24 hour service)
Report via website http://www2.bt.com/contactus

Location - Tube Stations and Bridges
Agency - Transport For London (TfL)
Please contact the train station in question

Location - Post Boxes
Agency - Royal Mail
Telephone 0845 774 0740
Email contactus@royalmail.com

Location - Cable Boxes
Agency - NTL: Telewest
Telephone 0800 953 2244
Email yourfeedback@ntl.com

Location - Arriva Buses
Agency - Arriva Buses
Telephone 01622 697 000
Email enquiries@arriva.co.uk

Location - Buses that run from Epping to Waltham Cross, and also some Epping Schools
Agency - Regal Busways
Telephone - 01245 249 001
Email info@regalbusways.com

Location - Energy Substations (usually large brick buildings)
Agency - EDF Energy (please note the sub station number - found on the door - before reporting)
Telephone 0845 120 1277 (24 hour service)
Email edf-freedom-substations@freedom-group.co.uk

Location - Private property (Please note that there will be a charge for using this service)
Agency - H20 Cleaning Services (Private graffiti removal contractors)
Telephone 01268 750 729
Email info@h2ocleaningservices.co.uk

Location - All Epping Forest District Council property or offensive graffiti
Agency - EFDC Graffiti Hotline
Telephone 01992 564 272 (Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm)
Email safercommunities@eppingforestdc.gov.uk