Hammersmith and Fulham trials A-board ban on Uxbridge Road

Hammersmith and Fulham Council will implement a 12-month trial ban on advertising A-boards along Uxbridge Road from October. The prohibition follows numerous resident complaints regarding pavement obstructions and street clutter, particularly on the busy Shepherd's Bush thoroughfare. This trial aims to gather evidence to inform a potential borough-wide scheme.

Resident Concerns Drive Decision

Concerns raised by residents about A-boards, also known as advertising boards, have prompted the council's action. These boards have been criticised for blocking pavements, creating clutter, and posing accessibility challenges, especially for blind and partially sighted individuals. The council has previously charged £275 annually for A-board licences, but enforcement has been inconsistent, with officers often opting for informal requests for removal rather than issuing fines.

A report prepared for the council noted that Uxbridge Road has been the focus of a significant number of complaints. The current approach of informal resolution has not resolved repeated issues or secured consistent compliance, according to council officers. The Law Enforcement Team is expected to undertake further targeted engagement and enforcement on Uxbridge Road.

Campaign Group Welcomes Trial

The campaign group Fix Uxbridge Road has welcomed the council's decision. Vikki, a spokesperson for the group, stated that successful high streets depend on accessibility for all. She argued that businesses can advertise through shopfronts, windows, and digital channels without creating obstacles in pedestrian routes. The group advocates for a borough-wide ban on A-boards, including those on private forecourts that form part of the public highway.

Vikki added that for individuals using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or pushchairs, A-boards represent unpredictable hazards that narrow walking paths and can force pedestrians dangerously close to traffic. The group also called for government legislation to grant local authorities clearer powers to restrict obstructive A-boards on private land adjacent to pavements.

Broader Consultation Planned

The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel, Cllr Nicole Trehy, has approved the 12-month trial ban on Uxbridge Road and the subsequent wider consultation. A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council stated that reducing clutter and making the high street more attractive and accessible for pedestrians is intended to increase footfall for local businesses. Neighbouring councils such as Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea do not currently authorise A-boards on their highways.

What Happens Next

Following the 12-month trial on Uxbridge Road, Hammersmith and Fulham Council will consult on a potential ban across the entire borough. The council aims to make streets more attractive and accessible for pedestrians.