Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

In 2014, a review was commissioned to gain a fuller understanding of the issues affecting ease of access in and around the city centre for a range of users, but particularly pedestrians, disabled and wheelchair users. The review report was considered at the March 2015 Community Services Scrutiny Committee; and in July 2015, a plan of action was developed and approved at committee to take the next steps to bring about the identified changes needed. A progress update of the actions undertaken from the action plan was presented in July 2016. In March 2016, a survey of advertising signage use in the city centre was undertaken and the views of local business users sought on the voluntary removal of advertising signs, such as A-boards.

The Officer’s report reviewed the survey findings and set out a proposed policy for advertising signage and the associated process and timetable for its consultation, review and implementation.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Streets and Opens Spaces

       i.          Authorised officers to consult on the proposed advertising ‘A’ board and sign policy, as set out in Appendix A.

     ii.          Authorised the expansion of the advertising ‘A’ board and sign policy to include the whole of Cambridge (rather than just the city centre), as defined by the City Council’s administrative boundary

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Operations Manager – Community Engagement and Enforcement.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

       i.          Condition, width and gradient of pavements affected accessibility. ‘A’ boards should not be placed on ‘good’ areas as these were generally used by people with sensory/mobility impairments.

     ii.          Wind could knock over boards and cause obstructions.

The Operations Manager – Community Engagement and Enforcement said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          Enforcement action would be taken against obstructions on public land/highway, but not private land.

     ii.          The policy allowed for flexible interpretation on a case by case basis eg location of ‘A’ boards on a verge instead of a pavement if it was a better location.

   iii.          Feedback from the consultation in February – April would help to clarify the text in the final policy. The consultation would take into account that different issues arise at different times of the year.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.