A-Board & Sandwich Board Signs - London Bylaws

Signs and Advertising England 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

In London, England, placing A-boards or sandwich board signs on the public highway can engage local bylaws, the Highways Act and planning controls. Whether you need consent depends on location, ownership of the pavement, and local council policy. Many London boroughs treat unattended signs as potential obstructions or unauthorised adverts and require permission or removal; enforcement is carried out by the local authority or highway authority and by police in some cases. Read on for practical steps to check permission, avoid penalties and where to get official guidance and forms.

When Consent Is Required

Consent depends on three main tests: ownership/control of the footway, whether the sign obstructs the highway, and whether the sign constitutes an advertisement requiring consent under planning law. Signs on private forecourts or inside shopfronts are usually treated differently to signs on the public pavement. Local councils set detailed rules on permitted dimensions, siting and anchoring.

Always check the local borough policy before placing an A-board on the pavement.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary legal exposure for an A-board on a public pavement is under obstruction and advertising controls. The Highways Act 1980 makes it an offence to obstruct the highway and provides the framework for removal or prosecution [1].

  • Fines and financial penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first or repeat offence procedures are determined by the enforcing authority; specific daily or escalating fines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: councils commonly issue removal orders, seize unauthorised signs and initiate prosecution or civil recovery; exact remedies depend on the council policy and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: local borough council or highway authority (for sections of adopted highway); complaints or reports should be made to your borough’s enforcement or highways team via their official contact pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes normally follow the council’s review or the magistrates’ court for prosecutions; statutory time limits for appeals are set by the enforcing body and are not specified on the cited page.
If a board causes a trip hazard or emergency access issue it may be removed immediately by the authority.

Applications & Forms

There is no single national A-board application form; most London councils publish their own guidance, permitted dimensions and application or licence forms for advertising on the highway or pavement licences. Where planning advertisement consent is required, apply under the local planning authority procedures. If no form is published by the council, the council should confirm in writing that no formal consent is required.

Practical Compliance Steps

  • Check whether the pavement is adopted highway or private forecourt with the local council.
  • Search your borough website for A-board or advertising guidance and any application or licence form.
  • Confirm permitted sizes, anchoring and hours allowed in writing from the council before placing a sign.
  • If asked to remove a board, comply and then request written reasons and appeal options from the enforcement officer.
Document correspondence and photographs when you apply or if you are asked to remove a sign.

Common Violations

  • Unauthorised placement on adopted highway causing obstruction.
  • Sign exceeding permitted dimensions or not secured.
  • Advertising that requires planning consent but was placed without approval.

FAQ

Do I always need permission to place an A-board on a London pavement?
No, not always; permission depends on whether the pavement is adopted highway and on the local council’s policy, so check with the borough first.
Who enforces the rules on A-boards?
Your local borough council or the highway authority enforces rules and can remove or require removal of unauthorised boards.
Can I be prosecuted for an A-board?
Yes; prosecution for obstruction or unauthorised advertising is possible, though specific fines and prosecution policy are determined by the enforcing authority.

How-To

  1. Check the local borough website for A-board or advertising guidance and any published licence or application form.
  2. Measure and photograph the exact location and dimensions to confirm whether the sign will obstruct the highway.
  3. Contact the borough highways or enforcement team in writing to request permission or clarification and retain the response.
  4. If permission is granted, follow any conditions in writing and keep proof of compliance on site for inspections.
  5. If enforcement action is taken, comply with removal orders then use the council’s published review or appeal process to challenge the decision if appropriate.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check borough rules before placing an A-board on the pavement.
  • Enforcement is by the local council or highway authority and may include removal or prosecution.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Highways Act 1980 section 137 - legislation.gov.uk

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