Digital advertising screens require a large amount of energy to operate. One double-sided screen on a bus stop requires the same amount of energy as 4 average UK homes. One large digital screen as seen on the sides of busy roads requires the same electricity as 11 average UK homes. Even with a switch to renewable energy, we will be unable to meet our net zero greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050 without reducing demand for electricity. This includes wasteful, unnecessary and harmful advertising on digital screens.
Local residents can oppose new screens at the planning application stage before they are built.
This is our quick guide to opposing planning applications in the UK for new billboards in your area:
Make a formal objection to planning applications for new billboards (see Adfree Cities page).
Ask your neighbours and friends to object too. The more people that object the better.
Write to your local councillors to let them know your views on outdoor advertising. Be sure to include your postcode so they know you’re a resident in their ward.
Get involved in your area
The Badvertising campaign is working with the Adfree Cities network of local groups in towns and cities across Britain to take action against harmful advertising.
Want to see your council taking bolder action on advertising? Join an existing ‘Adblock group’ or start one in your local area.
Or join an existing group below…
Adblock groups
Adblock groups are made up of local residents who campaign for public spaces that are free from corporate outdoor advertising to create happier, healthier towns and cities. They work together with local residents to:
Prevent energy-intensive new digital advertising screens from getting planning permission
Change local council policy regarding harmful advertising
Showcase alternative visions for neighbourhood public spaces that celebrate community connection, solidarity, public art and rewilded green spaces.
Adblock Bristol was formed in 2017 to support residents in objecting to planning applications for new digital advertising screens. In doing so, they’ve opened up a conversation in the city with the local council about the role of public space, consumerism, advertising and climate breakdown.
To date, the group has stopped 25 planning applications for large digital screens as well as over 50 smaller advertising screens. Similar groups have been established in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Exeter which are now forming the Adfree Cities national network.
Adblock Bristol uses an intersectional analysis of the advertising debate in its work. This means looking at multiple factors such as which communities are affected more by advertising due to issues of class, health, race, gender and environmental conditions of different neighbourhoods.
