Draft advertising board policy launched

The Council has today launched a consultation on its new draft policy for advertising boards (or A-boards) on the pavement. This is something that I've been pushing for over the last year or so as a result of campaigning with local disabled people to help them to get around more easily. It's also the first practical outcome from the work that I've been doing to develop a walking strategy for the city.

The rules are pretty straightforwards: all businesses will be allowed one A-board of a maximum of 80cm in height and 50cm in width, provided this still allows at least 1.8m (about 6 feet in old money) of pavement for pedestrians - enough for a motorised wheelchair or a double buggy. If they use more or ones that are too large, they risk having them removed by the Council or a Police Community Support Officer.

I think this is a pretty good compromise between the needs of business (especially small businesses) to promote themselves and the rights of people to use the pavement safely and easily - especially disabled people or those with children in tow.

The draft policy is now out for consultation and you can see the full document on the Council's website.

UPDATE : Thanks to Alison and Roger at RCAS who pointed out that 1.8m is six foot and not five foot as I'd originally said!