New revenue: Corpn allows ads on 442 garbage trucks

“The Mechanical Engineering Department operates and maintains a fleet of 928 vehicles and equipment for various purposes. We are going to let the advertising agencies to use our vehicles,” an official said.

This move will open a new source of revenue for the civic body which has been asked to stop collecting current property tax as the government withheld property tax revision.

Even though the civic body has ambulances, vehicles used for catching stray dogs, cattle raids, and official inspections at its disposal, it has allowed advertisement on garbage lorries and debris clearance tippers only. Of the 928 vehicles with the civic body, 442 vehicles are garbage lorries and tippers.

According to the official, expression of invitation (EOI) has been sent to advertisement firms and agencies. The eligible firms would have to pay a fixed amount to the Chennai Corporation in the form of authorisation fees based on the number of vehicles they would use for posting advertisements.

The civic body has also warned the advertising agencies of penalty if the vehicles are damaged while putting up the advertisements.

“The advertisements need to be made in a way which will not with the mandatory vehicle signs such as the purpose of vehicle service, number plate and others. Charges and other monetary factors will only be decided after finalising the advertising agencies,” the official said. He clarified that the advertisements relating to alcohol and tobacco products would not be considered.