Liverpool Sandwich Board & A-Frame Pavement Rules

Signs and Advertising England 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, businesses and traders placing sandwich boards or A-frame signs on pavements must follow local rules to keep footways safe, accessible and compliant with highway and advertisement regulations. This guide explains who enforces the rules, what permissions or consent may be needed, typical enforcement outcomes, practical action steps and where to find official forms and contacts so you can place and manage pavement signs lawfully.

What the rules cover

Local rules address obstruction of the public highway, pedestrian safety, accessibility for disabled people, and control of advertisements. The city council publishes guidance and will treat unauthorised signs as potential obstructions or unauthorised advertisements; see the council guidance for local procedures and responsibilities Liverpool City Council pavement advertising boards[1]. The Highways Act 1980 provides the statutory basis for obstruction offences and related enforcement powers Highways Act 1980, s.137[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is aimed at removing hazards and securing compliance rather than automatic punishment, but legal sanctions are available.

  • Fines: specific fine amounts for pavement signs are not specified on the cited city guidance page and the primary statute text does not list a fixed fine amount; enforcement outcomes are described on the cited pages as case-by-case. Not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: details for first, repeat or continuing offences are not stated as fixed ranges on the council guidance; escalation typically moves from removal requests to formal notices or prosecution where necessary.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of the sign, statutory obstruction notices, seizure, and prosecution through the magistrates' court are possible under highway and advertisement controls.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Liverpool City Council highways and licensing teams handle reports and enforcement; use the council guidance and reporting pages to submit complaints or request an inspection. Council guidance[1]
  • Appeals and review: the cited city guidance does not publish a single statutory appeal form or timeline; where formal notices are served the notice will set appeal or review procedures and time limits, otherwise judicial review or statutory appeal routes apply depending on the instrument. Not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: lawful permission, a reasonable excuse (for example an emergency), or a valid licence/consent are common defences; the council may exercise discretion for short-term authorised displays.
Unauthorised A-boards can be removed immediately if they present an obstruction.

Applications & Forms

Some councils require an explicit pavement licence or permission for advertising boards; Liverpool City Council provides local guidance on pavement advertising but does not publish a single branded national form on the guidance page. If a specific application form or fee applies it will be listed on the council page or provided by the licensing/highways team. None is published on the cited guidance page. See council guidance for updates and application pathways[1]

Contact the council before placing an A-board to confirm any local permission requirements.

Practical compliance steps

  • Check council guidance and local highway conditions before placing a board.
  • Apply for any required permission or licence if the council requests one.
  • Keep records: dates, photos and any written permission from the council.
  • Report disputes or enforcement notices to the council contact point listed in Resources.

FAQ

Do I need permission to place an A-board on a Liverpool pavement?
Permission depends on location and local rules; consult Liverpool City Council guidance and contact the highways/licensing team for confirmation.
What happens if my sign is removed?
The council will normally advise collection or provide details of disposal and any steps to contest removal; follow the notice instructions or contact the enforcing department.
Are there accessibility requirements for pavement signs?
Yes. Signs must not obstruct the required clear pedestrian route or create hazards for visually impaired or mobility-impaired people; specific clearway widths are set in local guidance.

How-To

  1. Check Liverpool City Council pavement advertising guidance and any published local conditions.
  2. Contact the council highways or licensing team to confirm whether a licence or written permission is required for your site.
  3. If permission is required, complete the form or submit the application as instructed by the council, include photos and dimensions of the sign.
  4. Pay any fees specified by the council and retain proof of payment and permission while the sign is displayed.
  5. Review and comply with any conditions (positioning, hours, dimensions) and keep records in case of enforcement action.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check Liverpool City Council guidance before placing an A-board.
  • Keep photos and written permission to defend against removal or enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council pavement advertising boards guidance
  2. [2] Highways Act 1980, section 137 (obstruction of highway)

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