Agenda item

This report presents the findings from the A-Boards Task Group review together with draft recommendations for the Committee’s endorsement.

Members considered a report which presented the findings from the A-Boards Task Group review together with draft recommendations for the Committee’s endorsement.

In response to the issue raised under Public Participation, it was agreed that any further written comments from the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society would be submitted to the Cabinet Member for consideration. 

Referring to possible enforcement measures that could be put in place (para 2 of the report), clarification was sought as to whether PCSOs would have the capacity to carry out this role.  Officers explained that the enforcement arrangements contained within the report were only suggestions and would require more detailed consideration. 

Consideration was given to the following options:

Option A – Maintain the current arrangements

Option B – Introduce voluntary guidelines

Option C – Introduce a policy for the use of A-boards with or without a licensing scheme

Option D – Introduce a total ban

Option E – Introduce a combination of the above i.e.

(i)           The introduction of a policy allowing the use of A-boards under strict criteria

(ii)          The policy to include a list of streets where the use of A-boards is prohibited at all times due to the limited widths of footways

(iii)        That appropriate resources be identified to ensure the full and proper enforcement of the new policy.  This to include consideration of the potential for improved cross directorate/team working outlined in paragraph 44 of the report

Members suggested that, in order to enable the effectiveness of a policy to be monitored, the arrangements should be in place for a two year trial period, this would also ensure that other options such as a licensing system were kept open.

Resolved:  That the draft recommendations made by the Task Group, as detailed in paragraph 46 (i.e. Option E) of the report, be endorsed but that the arrangements be implemented initially for a trial period of two years.

Reason:     To conclude the work on this review in line with scrutiny procedures and protocols.