Were it not bad enough that Malta is now littered with illegal billboards dotting several streets, the least the authorities could do is to clamp down on those advertising outdated events.

These two prominent billboards - one in Msida, and the other at Portes des Bombes - are advertising the charity fundraiser L-Istrina, held on Boxing Day. And to top it all, the canvas has been ripped to shreds and is now flapping about in the wind, causing an eyesore, and more importantly a potential danger to drivers.

Times of Malta reported last November that adverts in Santa Venera, Naxxar, St Julian's and Marsa have been placed on billboard structures, which were all served with enforcement notices by Mepa in 2014.

Despite warnings to remove the structures, they were left in place and Mepa has not taken direct action to remove them.

In the meantime, the government and its entities continue to use them to mount their public relations campaigns, paid through taxpayer money. Previous campaigns have included billboards on the lowering of electricity tariffs, new online public services, national festivities and the Budget.