Keeping pavements free from obstruction

Clear pavements diagram

We love our vibrant streets and value local businesses in our communities. As a Local Highways Authority, we have to make sure that people using the pavement can use it safely, so we are reminding you to keep it clear of obstructions. If you have outdoor displays or tables and chairs, there should still be at least 1.8m (180cm) of pavement clear and more if the area has a large number of pedestrians. This diagram shows guidelines for what is acceptable.

Any displays should have a solid base and be the same width at the top as the bottom, so they can be easily detected by someone with visual impairments using a cane. Items should not be placed next to the road or on barriers or lampposts. This would mean customers could walk in front of
pedestrians to get to stock, or even force pedestrians into the road.

If your goods are causing an obstruction, we will ask you to remove them. If you don’t remove them when asked to do so, we may issue you a Community Protection Notice. This is a legal notice which could lead to legal action if you ignore it and also a fine of up to £20,000. We also have powers to take away your goods if you refuse to move them.

We hope you will continue to be a responsible business owner and keep the pavement clear.

Read the full procedure.

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