Concerns raised after telegraph poles installed in middle of pavements

Concerns have been raised about newly installed telegraph poles on Perth pavements causing an obstruction – particularly when motorists face a £100 fine for doing so.

In the wake of the recent pavement parking ban, a Perth and Kinross councillor questioned why it was then okay for a pole to be installed in the middle of one.

Openreach has apologised and this week removed a pole which was blocking a residential city centre pavement.

Since January 2025, any driver caught parking on a Perth and Kinross pavement faces a fine. Perth City Centre ward councillor Chris Ahern could not understand how a utility company could then get away with installing a permanent obstruction on a pavement.

Bailie Ahern has been contacted twice by local residents after telegraph poles appeared – without warning – on pavements.

The Conservative councillor said: “Once again Openreach has put up a telegraph pole in the middle of the pavement. I was contacted a couple of months ago when a telegraph pole was erected in the middle of a pavement in North Muirton. Now they have done it on Balhousie Avenue and put a pole in the middle of the pavement again.

“It doesn’t take too much thinking and common sense to place the pole at the edge of the pavement and thus not cause an obstruction.

“New laws have been brought in to prevent parking on pavements and causing an obstruction, but it appears to be okay for a company to put an immovable pole in the middle of the pavement. I will be trying to get in contact with Openreach to get them to move the pole in to a more suitable position and to make sure they don’t keep doing it.”

The first pole – he received complaints about – was installed on a pavement on Lewis Place in North Muirton at the end of a footpath and close to where cars are parked, making access to the boot of whatever vehicle is reversed in next to it tricky.

Then last week Bailie Ahern heard another pole was causing an obstruction but – this time – right in the middle of a pavement.

Openreach – which builds and maintains the UK’s broadband network – has apologised.

On Tuesday, an Openreach spokesperson said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused by the pole being placed there. We’ve now checked the location and it’s due to be moved as soon as possible. Thanks to residents for their patience while we put this right.

“Anyone who has concerns about the siting of Openreach equipment can find more information about how to raise this at: www.openreach.com/help-and-support/object-to-move-or-remove-openreach-equipment.“

Bailie Ahern welcomed the speedy response by Openreach who removed the pole – perhaps appropriately – the following day on Wednesday, April 1.

He said: “They were very quick in removing it, which means they realise they made a mistake. I did raise a complaint with Openreach, but never expected a result in a matter of days. Maybe a bit of thought before carrying out work would save time and money.”

But – according to Perth and Kinross Council – broadband companies do not require planning permission to install telegraph poles.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Broadband companies like Openreach are required to notify the local planning authority regarding proposed sites for telegraph poles.

“However, as they are considered to be permitted development under national legislation, they do not need to seek planning permission for their installation. It should also be noted that the position of a telegraph pole or other item of equipment may be dependent on the location of the public utility it is being connected to, which would not be within the control of the council.”