FOI vs EIR for Signage - London Bylaws

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

In London, England, requests for information about public signage can fall under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) or the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). Which regime applies depends on the nature of the information requested and the public authority holding it; both typically use a 20 working day initial response window. [1][2] This guide explains how to choose FOI or EIR for signage queries, what authorities enforce signage and advertising rules, typical enforcement outcomes, and practical steps to request, appeal, and report non-compliant signs.

Check whether the information is environmental in character before choosing EIR.

When FOI or EIR Applies

Use FOI for recorded information about public authorities' policies, decisions, or records about signage. Use EIR where the information is environmental in character, for example siting that affects public amenity or urban environment assessments. Requests should be to the specific borough or authority that controls the site; if unsure, name the council and the exact sign or location in your request.

Penalties & Enforcement

Local planning and enforcement teams enforce signs and advertisements under planning and highway powers; sanctions can include enforcement notices, removal orders, and prosecution. Specific monetary fines are not consistently listed on central enforcement pages for all London boroughs and are often set by court decisions or fixed penalty schemes administered locally; such fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages. [3]

Enforcement remedies vary by borough and may require a formal complaint to planning enforcement.
  • Enforcement actions: issuing enforcement notices, discontinuance or removal orders, seizure where authorised.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; amounts often depend on court outcomes or local fixed-penalty regulations.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeals against enforcement notices are made to the Planning Inspectorate or through the courts; time limits vary by notice type and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaints: report suspected unlawful signage to the local planning enforcement team for the responsible borough or City of London planning enforcement office.

Applications & Forms

There is no single national FOI form; FOI and EIR requests can be made in writing or by email to the authority holding the information. For planning permissions or consent to display an advertisement you must use the local planning application process or the Planning Portal where required. If a specific local form is required for enforcement complaints, consult the borough planning enforcement page.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Unauthorised adverts on private or public land: enforcement notices, removal orders.
  • Temporary event signage without consent: directed removal and possible fixed penalties.
  • Obstructive signs affecting highways or safety: immediate removal and potential prosecution if urgent risk posed.
  • Failure to comply with conditions on an advertisement consent: enforcement notices and required remedial action.
Record photos, dates, and who you contacted when reporting a sign to help enforcement follow-up.

How to Request Signage Information (Practical Steps)

  • Identify the authority: name the borough or responsible body and provide the precise location or reference.
  • State whether you are making an FOI or EIR request and ask for the recorded information you want; include contact details.
  • Keep copies of your request and note the date sent; authorities generally have 20 working days to respond.
  • If refused, ask for an internal review and, if unresolved, appeal to the Information Commissioner or the Planning Inspectorate as appropriate.
If you believe the sign causes an environmental impact, specify environmental grounds to trigger EIR coverage.

FAQ

Who decides whether FOI or EIR applies?
The public authority that holds the information determines applicability; if the information is environmental in character, EIR may apply, otherwise FOI will normally be used.
How long does a council have to respond?
Under FOI and EIR the initial statutory response period is normally 20 working days; exceptions can apply and timeframes for internal reviews differ.
What if a council refuses to release signage records?
You can request an internal review and then appeal to the Information Commissioner for FOI/EIR decisions.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact sign and the public authority responsible, noting location, photos, and dates.
  2. Send a clear written FOI or EIR request to the authority’s FOI/EIR inbox, stating you seek recorded information about the sign.
  3. Wait up to 20 working days for the authority’s response; if necessary, request an internal review.
  4. If unsatisfied after internal review, appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office explaining the case and including correspondence.

Key Takeaways

  • Both FOI and EIR usually give a 20 working day response window for public authorities.
  • Enforcement is handled by local planning enforcement teams; remedies include notices and removal orders.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Information Commissioner’s Office - FOI and EIR guidance
  2. [2] Freedom of Information Act 2000 (legislation.gov.uk)
  3. [3] City of London - Planning and enforcement contact

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