Local Council Hammers Hand-Out Hounds
Forcing free newspapers and advertising hawkers from the streets
The wave of waste is about to crash and fall as Hammersmith & Fulham Council forces the London Lite, The London Paper and various advertising hawkers from the streets of the
borough clearing a path for other councils to follow.
The council is currently holding a consultation on plans to introduce control measures on the scourge of free literature flying around the borough.
Residents have been calling for an end to the litter problem created by the distribution of free leaflets, papers, and advertising which is often quickly thrown away or left in piles by those thrusting their paper into the hands of pedestrians.
Local resident, Megan Hopley said “I really like the free papers of an afternoon but I do feel a small twitch of guilt about the waste of paper they do create. By making the newspapers and the advertisers register with the council maybe they can control the amount of waste that is dumped at the end of each day.”
The Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005 enables local councils to designate certain streets and places where the distribution of free printed literature is prohibited without prior consent of the council. This includes free newspapers, cards, leaflets and pamphlets and other literature which there is no charge.
Councillor Greg Smith, cabinet member for crime said “Its about time that these free newspapers had to be accountable for their actions. While they may be free in cost they take a toll on the environment around them in pollution and waste. They should make a contribution instead of adding to the problem.”
It will be an offence for anyone to distribute any free printed material within designated zones without the consent of the council. The maximum penalty is £2,500. The proposal comes into force from August 1, 2007.
June 7, 2007