Agenda item

(1)          The report sought comments from the POSC on proposals to streamline the administration for advertising boards. KCC’s requirements must be adhered to as set out in the guidance by anyone placing an A-board on the highway.

(2)       Advertising boards, commonly referred to as A-boards, must be placed in accordance with KCC’s requirements as set out in the guidance (Appendix A of the report referred) so the public could move freely and safely along the highway.  A survey of 581 premises had reported that across Kent the majority of businesses (74%) were complying with existing guidance. It was therefore considered that a formal application process, charging and licensing arrangement was unnecessary and should be removed from the policy.

(3)       KCC had recently consulted with Town Centre Management Groups, Districts, City, Borough and Parishes Councils to seek assistance and support that would encourage even higher levels of compliance and promote alternative methods of advertising.  KCC would adopt a number of approaches to providing clear guidance on A Boards.  Discussion and demonstration of the practical difficulties experienced by visually impaired users had helped KHS staff to identify best practice regarding A Board placement and type. 

(4)       Highways Officers would begin to issue advice in accordance with the new guidelines and raise awareness of the dangers that inappropriately placed A boards could cause. Work would also be undertaken with local planning authorities to encourage more considered advertising methods.  Officers would have the ultimate sanction to take enforcement action in accordance with legislation set out in the Highways Act 1980 and within KCC’s new guidelines.  Kent Highway Services would use enforcement powers if businesses wilfully ignored advice given.  Compliance would be measured after 6 months to monitor the effectiveness of the proposal.

(5)               During debate the following issues were raised:-

(a)               Mr Harrison expressed concern about the issue of enforcement, and asked who was going to be responsible, and how would it be carried out.  Mr Sweetland informed Members that the enforcement issue was a difficult one, and it was the intention to launch an awareness campaign.  Mr Burr stated that enforcement would be taken under the 1980 Highways Act.  Any A-board causing an obstruction or considered to be a hazard, and bought to his attention, would be dealt with accordingly.

(b)               Mrs Tweed

(i)         referred to the use of A-boards by businesses based in narrow side streets which were placed in the main thoroughfare and recommended that a design for a finger post on columns be considered as a solution.  Mr Beaver referred to street furniture/clutter, and stated that the design of a finger post could be considered.  Mr Sweetland stated that an A-board would be difficult to see by the partially sighted.  He was trying to strike a balance between the interests of the shopkeeper/businesses, and the general public.    

(ii)        requested clarity on charging, was it to be the responsibility of the District Council concerned to decide charges for enforcement/licence.  Mr Sweetland stated that enforcement was still the statutory responsibility of the County Council, and this paper proposed that there would be no charge. 

(c)               Mr Pascoe sought re-assurance that where highways were overlapped private/leased land, negotiations took place before any enforcement, so that the owners were made aware of their liabilities and requirements.  Mr Sweetland informed Members that discussions were taking place with Planning Officers at Maidstone Borough Council relating to the possibility of a range of shops or a street applying for planning permission collectively, with a view to easing the burden on the shopkeeper.

(d)               Mr Cubitt asked how the information would be communicated, i.e. a standard publicity document that District Councils should be encouraged to use, perhaps including in their individual publications.  Mr Sweetland welcomed comments and stated that it would form part of the awareness campaign.

(6)               RESOLVED that:-

(a)               the proposal by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste toimplement a streamlined arrangement for the administration of advertising boards, by removing the formal application process, charging and licensing arrangement, be supported; and

(b)               Guidance must be adhered to by anyone placing an A-board on the highway, supported by a publicity and awareness campaign.