How we can act on nuisance A-boards

CHARLES Garner makes a good point about the problems visually impaired people have negotiating ‘A-boards’ on pavements being at least as important as those of hedgehogs negotiating Newbury properties (Newbury Weekly News, August 25).

In both cases the fact the town council has no responsibility for solving the problem doesn’t mean it can’t take a view, make it widely known and lobby for the district council (which is responsible) and/or the Government (which can improve the law) to take action.

As the opposition highways spokesman on West Berkshire Council, I’m grateful to Mr Garner for raising this matter.

It prompted me to find out what the law says.

West Berkshire Council, as highway authority, has limited powers to control the use of A-boards and doesn’t require businesses that wish to advertise in this way to get permission. It does however publish a guide ‘Advertising on the Highway’ on its website.

The key points to note are:

All A-boards are potentially an obstruction of the highway, which is an offence liable to prosecution.

Complaints from the public to highways will be investigated and any obstruction can be removed without notice.

In areas of high volume pedestrian flow and limited width, A-boards may be banned.

A-boards must not be placed within 2.5m of any tactile paving in pedestrianised areas or within 2m of any other permanent or temporary sign or other street furniture.

I am also a member of Newbury Town Council planning and highways committee and will ask colleagues to formally take a view on this.

I believe there are indeed breaches of the guidance taking place.

But anyone can complain by using ‘Report a Problem’ on the council website and that usually gets results.

TONY VICKERS

Liberal Democrat councillor for Wash Common ward

West Berkshire Council