Rules tightened to keep smokers off pavements

Smokers forced outside on to pavements by the smoking ban are being targeted in a clampdown to keep public walkways clear.

Many pubs, shops and cafés now provide seating and other facilities for smokers outside their businesses, but Barnet council claims this often forces pedestrians with pushchairs or walking aids into the road.

Council chiefs plan to introduce new licensing restrictions to prevent chairs and tables outside restaurants encroaching on pavements.

Under the guidelines, anybody who wants to use a public highway to trade will need the council's permission.

Licences will only be granted if the pavement is wide enough to allow people to move along it freely, with different requirements for busy town centres. The rule change will also curb street traders and ban A-board advertising signs outside shops and restaurants.

Brian Coleman, Barnet cabinet member for community safety and community engagement said: "Everybody - whether they are pushing a buggy, using a wheelchair or simply cannot see very well - has the right to be able to get along the pavement and the council will make sure that they are able to do so.

"It is unacceptable that children in pushchairs and people with walking frames sometimes find the pavement blocked by traders using the public highway inappropriately," he said. "Over the past year the clutter of tables and chairs, stands of produce and A-board advertisements outside shops has grown.

"These new licensing arrangements will help us manage the situation better both for pedestrians and businesses."

The Barnet scheme, which Mr Coleman said would be self-financing, is expected to come into effect in April.