Has anyone had experience with human billboards / placards?

[Paul - Siteflight Video]

Hello! I'd be very interested to hear from anyone who has had direct experience with using human billboards. Specifically I'd like to know if they needed a licence to have their sign displayed as it 'walked' about.
Despite us living in a digital world I'm looking to walk about myself, not using agency for now at least, in various town centres with a small sign, actually a 600x450mm placard, displaying my business name and website but I'm finding it difficult to find quality information on this.
If anyone knows definitively whether a licence is required or not I'd Iike very much to read your advice and thank you.
Cheers guys.

 

[Scalloway]

It seems you should approach your local authority.

https://metro.co.uk/2007/03/28/end-of-the-billboard-is-near-233966/

 

[Newchodge]

I have experience of being pestered by human billboards. I would have thought most people have. I have never been persuaded to do anything by a human billboard.

 

[Scalloway]

The only human billboard that sticks in my mind is the fellow who stood outside the Apple store in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, who had a sign pointing to an independent computer shop nearby.

Edit

You can see him on Google Street View.

 

[Paul - Siteflight Video]

It seems you should approach your local authority.

Morning. Yes I read this yesterday but strangely can find nothing in government schedules or advertising codes of practice. Thanks for your reply. Appreciated.

 

[IWW Limited]

We've done some work for a long standing agency whereby this was a major part of their revenue, I've just checked their site and they are now focusing on eCommerce style marketing.

A small indicator that it seems to be dwindling. I do think they are iconic in America, I'm thinking of the guys who do the fancy tricks to get their attention. I've seen a few stand on bridges wave at traffic with a sign too - not dangerous at all.

It does also depend on context, if it's a high street store then sign advertising could be your friend.

 

[Paul - Siteflight Video]

We've done some work for a long standing agency whereby this was a major part of their revenue, I've just checked their site and they are now focusing on eCommerce style marketing.

A small indicator that it seems to be dwindling. I do think they are iconic in America, I'm thinking of the guys who do the fancy tricks to get their attention. I've seen a few stand on bridges wave at traffic with a sign too - not dangerous at all.

It does also depend on context, if it's a high street store then sign advertising could be your friend.

Hello back. Thanks for your reply and yeah, the fact that it's dwindling is a good thing I feel because it means no-one else it doing it and I'll stand out. It my own business that I want to advertise, very passively, not bothering anyone, just me meandering about the streets/business quarters with a little sign just every now and then. (I'm ignoring the fact a lot of people are working from home at the moment........)
I thought I'd ask the question on here before approaching companies that I've found that actively do this in this country and see if they will give me the insights. Cheers.
Paul.

 

[Scalloway]

This from one random local authority.

https://www.newham.gov.uk/downloads...-or-walkway-stationary-human-advertising-pdf-

You will need a licence if you want to hand out or distribute commercial leaflets, flyers or other distribution material or have human advertising (e.g. persons with billboards), advertising articles for sale or the provision of services for any gain or reward.

 

[Paul - Siteflight Video]

This from one random local authority.

You will need a licence if you want to hand out or distribute commercial leaflets, flyers or other distribution material or have human advertising (e.g. persons with billboards), advertising articles for sale or the provision of services for any gain or reward.

Yes, I read this too yesterday and wondered if it was a local bye-law. Cheers

 

[Bob Morgan]

'Sandwich Boards' (Human Billboards) are exempt from the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 HOWEVER most Local Authorities will have By-Laws covering many aspects of their use. Commonly, a Permit will be required.

 

[Paul - Siteflight Video]

'Sandwich Boards' (Human Billboards) are exempt from the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 HOWEVER most Local Authorities will have By-Laws covering many aspects of their use. Commonly, a Permit will be required.

Thank you!