§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidance to local authorities concerning the exercise of their powers to keep pavements free of advertising boards and goods for sale. [14839]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThere is sufficient guidance to local planning authorities on control of outdoor advertisements in the Department's Circular 5/92, using powers in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. Local highway authorities have powers in the Highways Act 1980 to remove obstructions on pavements. Both planning and highway authorities must consider whether to exercise these powers on a case-by-case basis.