§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations control the placing of advertisements on roadside verges; and what plans he has to relax them. [35966]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe display of all outdoor advertisements, including those on roadside verges, is subject to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. My Department issued a public consultation paper, in February 1996, canvassing the possible abolition of the regime of areas of special control of advertisements. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library. The proposals would not permit additional advertising on roadside verges, which would remain at the discretion of local planning authorities.
If the verge forms part of the highway, additional powers to control advertisements are available to highway authorities under the Highways Act 1980, for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is responsible.