Sandwich boards 'blight' West End

The council says the placards are unsightly

Sandwich boards and other forms of mobile advertising in the West End are set to come under tighter regulation.

Westminster Council will use new legislation coming into force in Autumn to have more control over areas where the placards can be paraded.

The council's main focus is Oxford Street, where the boards advertise anything from golf sales to jewellery.

It says the signs are obstructive and "inconsistent with the West End's status as the UK's shop window".

Shoppers' complaints

"They do look a bit messy on the street I think," one shopper told BBC News.

Another said: "It's one of those things peculiar to Oxford Street. I know it's only a small thing but it adds to the character of the place."

We're unable to regulate them which means we can't control their location or number David Chalkley Westminster Council

Under current law, all fixed advertisements, such as posters, are regulated but councils have no control over mobile signs.

The London local authorities bill, which is expected to become law in October, will give councils powers to regulate them.

Joanna Ball, a mobile advertiser, said the signs were useful to shoppers.

"If they're not in anyone's way, I don't think it's offending anyone. It's letting people know there are these sales in shops."

But Danny Chalkley, of Westminster Council, said shoppers and businesses have complained about the signs.

"Firstly, they are an obstruction," he said.

"Secondly, we think they are inconsistent with the West End's status as the UK's shop window and thirdly, we're unable to regulate them which means we can't control their location or number."