City of London moves to ban A-Boards from narrow pavements

"The council, like most in the country, does not allow A-Boards and related street clutter on the pavements outside shops, as it reduces the pavement width and is an obstruction. In a committee meeting paper, the City accepts that enforcement was dropped during the pandemic, and would not have been resumed due to concerns about its impact on retailers. That's to accept that they do seem to work in luring shoppers inside, but at the cost of obstructing the pavements."

"The City's Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee forthcoming meeting is being asked to agree that A-Boards should not be permitted on public highways, and to start an awareness campaign with retailers to stop them from being used. The recommendation is for a total ban on pavements less than 2 metres wide and to take a case-by-case approach to wider pavements, although it will be for the Committee members to decide if they agree with that approach."

"Before making the decision, they consulted and of the 1960 responses, just 26 wanted to keep the A-Boards. There have also been calls for them to be banned by organisations such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Transport for All. If someone keeps obstructing the pavement, the City has the ability to fine people up to £1,000 for obstructing the pavement."

City of London intends to clamp down on A-Boards and related street clutter because they reduce pavement width and obstruct pedestrians. Enforcement paused during the pandemic will be reconsidered despite A-Boards' effectiveness at attracting shoppers. The Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee is being asked to prohibit A-Boards on public highways, recommend a total ban on pavements under 2 metres, and apply case-by-case decisions for wider pavements alongside a retailer awareness campaign. Consultation showed overwhelming opposition to retaining A-Boards. Accessibility organisations support bans, and persistent obstruction can draw fines up to £1,000. The effort is part of a wider street-clutter reduction and wayfinding update.

Read at ianVisits