BWA has objected to proposals for ten phone kiosks to be erected on pavements in Bristol City Centre, both for their siting and their appearance. It seems this is happening in several places.
In a city centre, with existing public phones and good mobile signals, there is no justification for extra kiosks as public utilities. But they can certainly make advertising revenue for the applicant.
BWA objects to the siting of any unnecessary pavement furniture on the grounds that it limits the free flow of pedestrian movement. Pavement obstacles are a particular hazard to those with impaired vision.
We also object to these kiosks on appearance grounds. Given that their main purpose is the presentation of advertising, they are detrimental to the overall appearance of the streetscape and to the enjoyment of the urban scene for all.
UPDATE: Bristol City Council have refused prior approval for all ten applications for new phone kiosks, citing amongst the reasons our objection that such pavement obstacles are a particular hazard to those with impaired vision.