THE number of advertising boards and stands and seating on the streets of Havering will be cut.
Havering Council is bringing in a new policy which it says will help to keep the pavements clear of excess street furniture.
The authority says that many residents have complained about the amount of street clutter on the grounds that it can cause problems for people who are in wheelchairs or those who have prams.
Under the council's new policy, controls and charges will be introduced to minimise the number of boards and stands that can be put out on the street.
The draft of the so-called Street Trading Policy will be subject to a two-month consultation period, during which all residents and traders can comment via a questionnaire.
The council says that all comments will be "carefully considered" before the final policy is agreed.
The questionnaire, which can be completed online or on paper, features 11 questions which relate to the draft policy, regulations and fees.
It can be completed up until April 28.
Councillor Geoff Starns, cabinet member for community safety at Havering Council, said: "While we support businesses in Havering, our high streets can be very busy and we need to make sure that the streets are clear enough for people to use.
"It is really important that we get this right and that is why it is important that visitors, residents and traders all take part so that we can get a balanced view of this new policy."
To complete the questionnaire online, visit www.havering.gov.uk/streettrading.
For more information, or to obtain a hard copy of the draft policy and the questionnaire, call 01708 432777 or e-mail licensing@havering.gov.uk
