Councillors fight for sandwich boards

Posted on 21 September 2006

 Article appeared in CityLife - September 21, 2006. Written by Dave Burgess

WELLINGTON'S FAMOUS street life is in danger of becoming "an over-regulated nightmare" according to city councillors Ian McKinnon and Hayley Wain.

Both councillors are urging businesses to have their say on the council's Footpath Management Policy Review before consultation closes on Friday, September 22. The policy covers regulations around sandwich boards, café outdoor seating and retail displays. Councillors McKinnon and Wain are worried by the over-regulating attitude of some. "We must find a balance between the easy movement of pedestrians and the vibrancy and colour of the city," Ms Wain says. "There has been rigorous debate that sandwich boards are deemed unsafe obstacles but that must be balanced against the purpose they are there to serve."

They are both concerned that while trying to resolve the issue of perceived over-crowding of footpaths, the policy developed could well have a detrimental effect on those businesses which rely on sandwich boards. Mr McKinnon adds that the council must remember that small businesses make up the majority of retail outlets, with a number being set back from the street. "We can't afford to undermine these businesses - we need them; they need the customers," he says. Both councillors say that Wellington enjoys a booming café culture, which includes al fresco dining. They are concerned that this, along with sandwich boards, could be hampered over-regulation.