THE report regarding A-boards on York streets (The Press, August 20) is slightly incorrect.

It stated that “the row over the use of street advertisements in York dates back to 2013”, but I remember discussing the topic over 20 years ago when I was an elected member of the then York City Council.

The suggestion by the new coalition administration to possibly charge businesses who put A-boards on the pavement is totally out of order and will be construed as taxation by the back door.

Quite rightly businesses are upset about it, but at the same time businesses must realise the dangers that A-boards present to pedestrians, sighted or unsighted, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, and the elderly and disabled.

A large number of streets in York have very narrow footpaths and are not suitable for having A-boards placed outside premises or on any pavement area near their business without causing difficulties to pedestrians. Businesses should consider the health and safety of pedestrians first before attempting to attract customers by blocking narrow pavements.

Howard Perry, St James Place, Dringhouses, York