Edinburgh bans all on-street ‘A boards’

A ban on all temporary on-street advertising boards across Edinburgh will come into force on 5 November. The ban aims to create safer, more accessible streets, particularly for those with disabilities such as sight impairments and mobility difficulties.

Initially, environmental wardens will visit businesses to ensure awareness and maximise compliance with the ban, with enforcement action taken on those that remain non-compliant following this stage of the process.

The ban follows a period of public consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including Living Streets, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Edinburgh Access Panel, along with various traders’ associations, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and community councils.

A spokesperson for RNIB Scotland said: “We very much welcome this move by the City of Edinburgh Council to help make the streets of the capital more accessible to visually impaired people. A vital element for any successful 21st century city must be inclusivity. A city that is open and welcoming to everyone, residents and visitors, no matter what needs or disabilities they may have. This move is a big step in that direction.”

David Spaven, convenor of Living Streets Edinburgh Group, said: “Many Edinburgh pavements have become obstacle courses in recent years, and removing advertising boards will make it much easier to get around comfortably and safely on foot and in wheelchairs. Clutter-free streets will be more attractive and will help to make Edinburgh a more walkable city – and that’s in everyone’s interests.”