Unauthorised Signs guidance leaflet published
Wednesday, April 16 2008
Pavements in the Borders are becoming more and more of a challenge to negotiate with the increasing amount of sandwich boards, tables and chairs and other items appearing.
While the reason for these is often very understandable – businesses need to advertise in a cost-effective manner - they can sometimes become a serious hazard for wheelchair users and the visually impaired or obscure visibility for drivers.
Scottish Borders Council has put together a policy which is summarised in a leaflet for local businesses. It states that it is an offence under the Roads (Scotland Act 1984) to place obstructions including unauthorised signs within the road boundary. Anything placed on a public road (including the pavements and verges) without the Roads Authority’s consent is considered unauthorised.
Shop and business owners wishing to place signs or tables and chairs on a footway should consult with their Area Planning Office and Area Roads Office. Any signs or street furniture considered to be a danger may result in an official request being issued to remove the items. If the owner does not remove the items in the stated timescales they may be removed by the police or an agent acting on their behalf.
Councillor Jim Fullarton said; “I believe we’ve struck a good balance between helping businesses and keeping pavements uncluttered. We all need to take a commonsense approach and avoid putting obstacles on pavements which could be a trip hazard or stop a wheelchair user from being able to move freely.”
Copies of the leaflet can be obtained online or your local Council Contact Centre, Area Planning Office or Area Roads Office.
Unified Solutions.