Pavement safety consultation

We're developing a new articles on the highway policy. This policy will help manage items on pavements outside businesses including:

• advertising boards (A-boards)
• shop displays
• stock and other items.

We recognise that when well managed, items such as shop displays and advertising boards can support local businesses.

These items can support local business, however if not placed carefully can reduce the space on pavements or create hazards. This can make it harder for people to move around safely including:

• wheelchair users
• people with pushchairs
• those with visual or mobility impairments.

We're introducing this policy to ensure that highways remain safe, accessible and free from unnecessary obstruction.

About the proposed policy

The proposed policy will introduce clear rules ensuring:

• there's enough space for everyone to pass safely
• items are secure and well positioned
• streets remain accessible and visually tidy. 

The proposed policy will be supported by a licensing system including:

• appropriate fees
• enforcement if needed to ensure compliance. 

Examples of displays and A-boards

For shop front displays:

• 1.5 metres between displays either side of the door
• 2 metres maximum depth between the front of the shop 
• 1.5 metres between the display and the rain gutter for people to move on the pavement. 

For A-boards:

• should be within 0.7 metres of the shopfront
• 1.5 metres between the display and the rain gutter for people to move on the pavement.