The Roads Service in County Down, Northern Ireland, has threatened to fine traders who display advertising signs on public footpaths.
Although the practice is common across the UK, displaying signs on public footpaths has been illegal for many years. Police usually turn a blind eye to such activities, but the Roads Service is getting tough with traders after concerns were raised.
Fiona Brown, Mobility Team Manager at Guide Dogs NI, argued that the removal of street signage would improve conditions for all members of the public, not least the disabled, blind and partially sighted.
Ms Brown said: “Creating an environment that is easy to access and easy to navigate for everyone will actually create a better environment for everyone and potentially increase footfall and trading.”
The Roads Service has promised to issue a 50 fine to any trader who breaches regulations on street advertising signs.
The business community in County Down has responded to the threat with mixed emotions. Some traders accept that street signage is a menace, whereas others insist that placing signs on footpaths is often the only way to advertise a service.
Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we feel that an effort should be made to negotiate a compromise between traders and pedestrians. Not all street signage creates an obstacle.