Businesses in Caerphilly County Borough could be charged for using A-boards on public pavements.
A council consultation is underway to introduce new regulations that could see businesses prosecuted if they ignore the rules.
Under the proposals, which are in-line with the 1980 Highways Act, the council will charge businesses £25 for use of an A-board. The local authority estimates this could bring in around £10,000 worth of revenue.
Businesses with A-boards will also need public liability insurance of up to £5 million.
Companies persistently ignoring the rules could face prosecution.
Councillor Tom Williams, Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, said there needed to be a balance between advertising for companies and safety for residents.
He said: “We want to make sure that shopkeepers are getting people into their businesses as it’s important for jobs and the economy.
“We’ve had complaints that boards are causing problems and we want to make sure our pavements are safe and accessible.”
Hilary Barbrook, who owns a florist on Cardiff Road, Caerphilly town, and displays a sign on the public highway, said if the code was enforced, she would move the sign onto private property.
She said: “It is ridiculous the amount of boards out on the pavements. One is okay, but when they’re tied to lamp-posts it makes the town untidy.”
But business owners on Clive Street in Caerphilly town centre claim they have tried to make a difference, offering to pay for hanging baskets and ‘tourist-like’ signposting to their shops with no result.
Deborah Hale, of Nice gift shop, has run a shop on the street for 20 years.
She said: “Clive Street is an up-and-coming street. It’s a destination to come to, which is good for visitors.
“It’s okay telling us this, but the council do nothing to help us. Give us an alternative.”
I read this article a couple of times and am still none the wiser as to what exactly the council want. On one hand they are saying that 'A boards' are a hazard to pedestrians and on the other a charge for 'A boards' will bring in £10,000 in revenue. Presumably the ones the council get a fee for are not a hazard.
Regarding the attachment of boards to lamp posts, permission must be first sought from the council before an advertisement is fixed to any item of street furniture. Unless the rules have recently changed the council are within their rights to remove any such advert.
The Council is desperately short of money to pay more to their chief Officers so they have to think of more ways to squeeze the public dry .It won't be long before they bring in a fresh air tax. There are a load of idiots running the Authority it needs clearing of corruption first, who honestly has any faith in this bunch of ancient has beens.
And now the Council is planning to charge car parking fees at Cwm Darren Parc and Penyfan Pond. Would you believe it, that's sure to encourage more visitors.