Broadband plans could jeopardise road safety

London’s boroughs have expressed concerns about Government plans to erode their powers over the siting of broadband cabinets as this could compromise road safety.

London Councils, which represents the Capital’s 33 local authorities, says that its members already receive complaints from residents about the siting of the cabinets, and points out that new Government proposals will make it easier for companies to "bypass community decision making" when installing new ones.

Responding to the Government’s consultation on the issue, London Councils warned that the plans could endanger road users by limiting pedestrian walkways and sightlines.

Councillor Chris Roberts, London Councils’ executive member for planning, said: “We all want to support the rollout of broadband, but this must not compromise the ability of elected councillors to ensure our streets are both safe and attractive. Boroughs already have insufficient powers to control the visual appearance of their communities.

“If the Government is serious about localism, it should realise that greater, not lesser, planning powers are needed for local communities to deal with the actions of irresponsible telecoms companies.”

Click here to read the full London Councils report.