Ellie Ames 31 May 2024

Ads for cars and airlines banned on Edinburgh council property

Ads for cars and airlines banned on Edinburgh council property image
Image: Giannis Papanikos / Shutterstock.com

Edinburgh City Council will no longer approve sponsorship opportunities or advertising on its assets if they promote ‘high carbon’ products.

The local authority said there was a contradiction between its declaration of a climate emergency and the advertising of environmentally damaging goods and services in the city.

An amended policy means it will no longer allow promotion of airlines and airports, fossil fuel companies, cars (unless they are electric or hydrogen and not sports utility vehicles), and cruise holidays.

The amendments include no restrictions on food advertising, with the council noting that banning meat adverts would be ‘highly controversial’.

A council report says the new rules could result in reduced revenue of £200,000 a year from 2030.

But from its experience working with councils, campaign group Adfree Cities believes claims of reduced advertising contract value are ‘unevidenced’.

A counter-greenwash campaigner at Adfree Cities, James Ward, said the policy showed that ‘while national governments delay, local governments can act against the influence of polluting industries’.

Mr Ward said: ‘We would love to see other councils follow the lead of Edinburgh – and Sheffield, who passed a similar advertising policy in March – and to recognise that advertising and sponsorship is a powerful lever councils can pull to advance not only their climate goals but also their ambitions for public health, biodiversity and providing a high-quality public realm.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker - Wolfson Unit

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Highways Network Technician - WMF2343e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403 - £26,824
This role will be part of the Network Team in the South Lakeland area based in Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Young People with DisabilitiesPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North EssexFixed Term, Full Time£34,904 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner