EDINBURGH retailers with on-street advertising have until Monday (5 November) to remove them under new rules put forth by the local authority.
City of Edinburgh Council has introduced a citywide ban on all temporary on-street advertising, such as advertising boards (A boards), which comes into force next week.
The council said the ban aims to create safer, more accessible streets, particularly for those with disabilities such as sight impairments and mobility difficulties.
Businesses should have received a letter from the local authority in November informing them of the change and advising them that on-street advertising should be removed by midnight on 4 November.
Enforcement of the new regulation will fall to environmental wardens who will visit businesses to ensure awareness of, and compliance with, the ban. City of Edinburgh Council has said it will take action against businesses who do not remove on-street advertising.
City of Edinburgh Councill transport and environment convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “This is ultimately about opening up our streets for all members of society, creating welcoming, clutter-free spaces where people can move freely.
“We’ve heard from lots of different groups about the mobility issues caused by the presence of temporary, moveable structures such as advertising boards, so it’s clear that action needs to be taken if we are to live in a truly equal, accessible city.
“As we approach the implementation of the ban, we’ve written to all businesses to ensure they have the relevant information, and in the coming months our wardens will be visiting shops, cafes, restaurants and other premises to offer advice and guidance on alternative advertising options.”
