Bristol City Council today seized 20 small advertising boards that it claims were blocking pavements for people in wheelchairs.
It took the action, part of a campaign to tackle concern that some pavements are becoming unsafe for disabled and other pedestrians, after giving full warning to traders in Clifton Village.
Council streetscene officers had already advised local businesses that if they use A-boards they must leave 1.8m space clear on pavements.
The crackdown follows complaints by Clifton residents that the boards are a hazard for pedestrians, particularly those using wheelchairs, those with pushchairs and people with a visual disability.
Equalities representative for the Cabot, Clifton and Clifton East Neighbourhood Partnership John Rippon, who uses a motorised wheelchair, said: “These boards can be so obstructive on Clifton’s narrow paths that I am unable to get my wheelchair down the streets in case the wheels slip over the kerb and I topple over.”
Boards that they council claims are a hazard can be removed under Section 149 of the Highways Act.
The council's A-board guidance is available at http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/transport-and-streets/board-guidelines
