'A' (Advertising) Boards
Policy Statement for Free Standing Advertising Boards Placed upon the Public Highway
In May 2005 the Council’s Executive considered and resolved that a Borough wide policy to enforce the removal of free standing advertising boards (commonly referred to as ‘A’ boards) from the publicly maintained highways was to take effect in April 2006.
The Executive reached its decision after consultation with Neighbourhood committees, organisations with an interest and after seeking Counsel’s opinion on the legalities of implementing a ‘licensing’ policy.
The aim and objective of the policy was to reflect the statutory duties of the Council and to improve the quality and usability of our streets for the less mobile members of the community.
The public interest considerations were:-
- The placing of street advertising boards (‘A’ boards) on the public highway is unlawful.
- They cause street clutter/nuisance.
- They are a health and safety hazard to disabled and partially sighted people.
- The voluntary code of practice had not been successful.
- They compromise the Council’s statutory duties under the Highways Act and Disability Discrimination Act.
A letter was sent to all businesses in the Borough in March 2006, informing them of the Council’s policy and requesting their cooperation by not placing ‘A’ Boards or other advertising structures on the public highway.
As a result of a formal objection to the policy from businesses of Kingston Town, the Executive received a further report in July 2006, and live evidence was also heard from interested parties in October 2006 so that it could reconsider its previous policy decision. Representations were received from disabled groups and business interests. The Executive again gave careful consideration to the different arguments, together with the Council’s legal obligations, but were not minded to change their policy decision.
The Executive however, felt it appropriate that alternatives to the use of ‘A’ Boards be fully investigated before their policy decision was fully implemented. This was therefore referred to the Council’s Overview Panel for consideration. A sub-panel was formed and its report was received by the full Overview Panel in November 2007. It was considered that there were a number of alternative approaches that could be used instead of ‘A’ Boards therefore the Council will proceed to work towards the removal of ‘A’ boards from publicly maintained highways.
Further information
If any further information is required, please contact:
David White
Highway Asset Administration Manager
Telephone: 0208 547 5909.