Call to keep to A-board rules

4.58.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st Apr 2008

• SHOP owners are being reminded by Richmond Council to heed the policy on A-boards - in the interests of safety.

The Council is looking to resolve problems without the need for formal action; enforcement will be used as a last resort. Last year the Council launched a new policy with the aim of ensuring that pedestrians, including the disabled, the elderly, and people with prams and pushchairs, are able to use the footways safety. However, the Council is concerned that some traders are still not complying - and blocking pavements.

Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr David Trigg, said this week: "Traders and businesses need to advertise and promote themselves but this must be done in such a way that the safety of pedestrians isn't compromised. A-boards, particularly those that are larger than allowed, can be a particular problem in some streets where they are not appropriate. Boards can be displayed in most roads but there must be a clear two-metre footway width left that allows the public to pass by safely. This is a matter we take very seriously and we are looking to resolve problems without the need for formal action. This will be used only as a last resort."