Retailers in Dundee have been warned not to place advertisements on the city’s pavements just days after the local authority performed an apparent U-turn over a children’s ride.
Dundee City Council has reiterated that shop owners must not place signs and boards advertising their businesses on paths for fear that they could impede disabled residents.
The warning comes just days after the council appeared to allow one Broughty Ferry store to retain an electric children’s ride outside its shop front after objections from the owners.
Gertie the Giraffe a 20p ride for kids has been granted a stay of execution outside the Nappy Pin and Toymaster outlet after owner Anita Stewart protested the council’s request to have it removed.
Despite this, Dundee City Council has warned retailers that action can be taken over those who continue to show a disregard for the legislation, and that a blanket ban on signs on roads and pavements remains in place.
A spokesman said, “Any retailers who are sent a letter about this are able to contact the council to discuss the issues involved.
“For more than a decade Dundee City Council has had a total ban on advertising boards on roads throughout the city. This was brought in at a time when there were significant problems being caused for people with visual impairment, wheelchair users and parents with buggies.
“The policy is part of Dundee City Council’s long-standing and consistent commitment to the principles and practice of disability equality and diversity.
“Over the years the council has received specific feedback from people with disabilities about the problems these boards cause.”
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“It is an offence under Section 59 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to place or deposit anything in a road to cause an obstruction. If it is not removed by the owner it can be removed and costs recovered where necessary.”
Dundee butcher Gilbert Grossett received a letter from the local authority last month requesting he remove an A-board located outside his shop on Arbroath Road. Having chosen to ignore the letter for now, Mr Grossett continues to place the sign outside his store, claiming it is crucial in attracting customers.
He is now concerned that the Broughty Ferry incident may create a two-tier system for what retailers can place outside shops.
Asked if he thought it would now be hypocritical to ask retailers to withdraw signs, he said, “Yes, I think it would be. It would seem that there is one rule for one business and one rule for another.
“I’ve not heard anything more from the council but I did hear about the Broughty Ferry shop and the giraffe.”
After gathering dozens of signatures on a petition placed on his counter, he hopes that hearing no news from the council may mean good news for his campaign.
“Hopefully, that will be the end of the matter as a lot of businesses depend on advertising,” he added. “The pavement is 26ft wide and there are bins placed out there.
“I’m still putting the sign outside my shop every day but I’ve not heard anything more.”