Safety concerns spark A-Board consultation

12.02.54pm GMT Mon 29th Jan 2007

Concern about the hazard to pedestrians posed by advertising boards outside shops has been voiced by the Council, which is consulting to help shape future policy.

The A-Boards, which are a familiar feature on pavements throughout the borough, are a particular problem in areas where footways are narrow and often the boards create an obstruction.

Wheelchair users, the visually-impaired and people with prams and pushchairs are particularly at risk.

Safety is a key aspect of the draft policy, which proposes guidelines aimed at controlling the use, design and siting of A-Boards and lists roads where they should not be allowed.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said:

"While we don't want a total ban on these boards, we feel there must be more control over them to reduce clutter and ensure public safety.

"Safety is at the heart of the draft policy.

"And before any final decisions are reached we want to hear the views of traders, individual members of the public and all other interested parties."

RAID - Richmond Advice and Information on Disability - is among organisations being consulted.

The draft policy can be viewed, under "Current consultations", on the Council website at www.richmond.gov.uk Comments can be made via an online form or, by letter, to:

The Head of Parking Enforcement and Street Care, Environment Directorate, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ.

The deadline for comments is Friday 16 February.