Cut the Clutter Campaign
The Cut the Clutter Campaign was launched in 2004 in response to growing concerns about the proliferation of superfluous road signage and intrusive advertisements that were beginning to blight our cities, towns, and countryside. The Campaign aimed to highlight the problem and encourage the local authorities to take action.
In 2005 the Society was fortunate to have the services of a policy officer, Hazel Richardson who got the campaign off to a flying start. As a result of Hazel's lobbying:
- Northumberland County Council publicly pledged its support for the campaign and used photographs and briefing notes provided by Hazel as a basis for a training presentation.
- The Highways Agency asked their managing agent contractor A-ONE to look at removing redundant signs from specific sites highlighted by Hazel on the A1 and A69.
- Tynedale Council promised to take action against those who persist in flouting the law on roadside advertising, and Director of Planning Helen Winter confirmed that there would be a blitz to tackle the problem on the A69 and A68 where these roads run through the district.
In 2007, Douglas Hoblyn volunteered to continue the work started by Hazel and was invited by Newcastle City Council to submit details of anomilies that contravened their 'clear streets' policy to the Traffic and Project Management Group. Douglas' recent updates can be viewed in full by clicking on the links to the right of the page.
The ‘clutter’ problem needs action from all Society members (please, members use your cameras and email the offending pictures to Sue Howie in the office). Douglas Hoblyn is gathering information but it would be an advantage to have evidence for future negotiation.
