Who moves the board?

For blind, visually impaired and wheelchair users, an A-board in the wrong position can block the route entirely. Calderdale runs a licensing pilot in Hebden Bridge with a 1.8m clearance requirement and active enforcement powers. This tool supports businesses to become aware of the issue, train staff and the implications for not doing so.

Keywords: A-Boards, Training, awareness

Watch what happens when A-boards are not properly placed (20 seconds each)

What does good look like?

A business that places its board correctly on Monday and keeps it there all week. Specifically:

A business owner who knows the conditions of their licence and checks compliance daily, not just on the day of issue

1.8 metres of clear footway maintained at all times, with the board positioned at the back edge of the footway within the curtilage of the premises

No placement at junctions, dropped kerbs or crossing approaches

Board no larger than 60cm wide by 100cm high

Board stable — not hanging, swinging, propped against a wall or fixed to street furniture

Actions

For businesses in the pilot area:

Know that enforcement powers include immediate confiscation and a £250 recovery charge

Check that your board meets the 1.8m clearance condition every day, not just when the licence was issued

Position the board at the back edge of the footway, within your curtilage, away from dropped kerbs and junctions

For the public:

If an A-board is blocking your route in the Hebden Bridge pilot area, report it using the council’s online form — it triggers an investigation and can result in immediate removal

The law

Highways Act 1980:

Section 130 — Protection of public rights of way
Section 137 — Wilful obstruction of the highway is a criminal offence
Section 143 — Power to remove structures from the highway
Section 149 — Removal of things deposited as a nuisance

Equality Act 2010 — public authorities must make reasonable adjustments to avoid putting disabled people at a substantial disadvantage.

Adopted Placemaking and Design Guide SPD, Calderdale, p.101 — “the use of A frame boards is discouraged.”