Adverts for contraceptives, alcohol and sex to be barred from roundabout

Adverts for contraceptives, trade unions and sex will be barred from roundabouts across East Lothian as part of a plan to cash in on its roads.

East Lothian Council is set to approve a revised policy for hiring out 24 roundabouts across the county for sponsorship or advertising.

It includes a list of subjects, from politics to sex, that will be banned from being promoted on the junctions.

Councillors will be asked to approve plans that include using a third-party operator to oversee the hiring out of promotional space, with a percentage of the income coming back to the local authority.

A report on the changes says the list of subjects that will be off limits includes political content or party promotion, trade unions, religious organisations, and content that could be considered prejudiced.

It also includes anything promoting alcohol, tobacco, sex and “contraceptives and associated products and services, except relating to health promotion”.

It warns potential advertisers that the ban will include “any other sponsorship type deemed inappropriate by East Lothian Council”.

A report to elected members says nine other Scottish local authorities currently have some form of roundabout sponsorship in place, including West Lothian Council and the City of Edinburgh Council.

It adds that using a third-party provider to oversee the signs on roundabouts will mean the council will face no costs for operating it while receiving a percentage of the income.

The signs will also have to contain information including the name of the roundabout and East Lothian Council’s name alongside any sponsor or advert.

The report says: “There is no cost to East Lothian Council in this policy. Any third-party provider is responsible for all costs associated with marketing, hardware, advertising consents and installations.

“Any income generated comes at zero cost to East Lothian Council, with the third-party provider carrying the burden of financial risk.

“It is expected that the advertising on roundabouts will generate income for the council. While it is difficult at this stage to quantify due to the number of variables, we commit to reporting back in 12 months as to the performance of this initiative.”

The report will go to councillors next week for approval.