Tag: places

Removing ‘A’ boards from our pavements & reducing clutter

 

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Since November, a citywide ban on ‘A’ boards and other temporary adverts has been in force. This is primarily to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility on our streets. It is part of wider efforts to help create a more welcoming, clutter-free city for everyone.

Environmental Wardens are working closely with businesses and are reporting good results across the city. Businesses have adapted to the ban in a variety of ways, including by incorporating advertising into barriers around tables and chairs (for which they have a licence) or putting a sign on their walls or windows (if allowed).

There are lots of places to go for businesses looking for more information on advertising or guidance to help them through this ongoing change;

As you can see from our photo gallery above, removing A-Boards can help make a huge difference for people with mobility issues getting around Edinburgh. By removing barriers on our pavements, it is hoped that people can move more freely across the city and businesses will feel the benefit from shoppers attracted by better pavements.

If you wish to report any A-Boards which you feel should be looked at by an Environmental Warden, please email us at aboards@edinburgh.gov.uk.

What’s in a street name?

We rely on addresses every day.  Whether it’s registering to vote, ordering something online, visiting a place you’ve never been before or just getting a takeaway delivered, a unique address is essential.

Edinburgh street names
Edinburgh street names

The Council is responsible for issuing addresses to all properties within its boundary.  To assist in doing this, the Street Naming Team has a name bank which contain potential names to be used for new developments.  We encourage people to suggest potential street names, usually via local Councillors, local community council, neighbourhood networks or by emailing streetnaming@edinburgh.gov.uk

The Street Naming team’s primary consideration when issuing new addresses is public safety as, in an emergency, it is important that a specific address can be identified quickly and easily.  For this reason we no longer duplicate street names with different suffixes (such as Eyre Place and Eyre Crescent) due to the potential for confusion.

Generally, street names are selected that commemorate people, places or events connected to the city, with a view to preserving local history and reinforcing our sense of place. Potential names should meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • commemorate local history, places, events or culture, and in particular any that relate to the site
  • honour and commemorate noteworthy persons associated with the local area, or the City of Edinburgh as a whole
  • celebrate cultural diversity in the City of Edinburgh
  • commemorate national and international noteworthy persons, who have been deceased for five years or more
  • commemorate national and international events
  • strengthen neighbourhood identity
  • recognise native wildlife, flora, fauna or natural features related to the community or the city as a whole.
Baron Maules Close
Baron Maule’s Close (refurbished sign)
Old Infirmary Lane
Old Infirmary Lane (a recently repainted sign)
Lang Rigg - new street name plates in South Queensferry are blue with white lettering
Lang Rigg – new street name plates in South Queensferry are blue with white lettering