Bid To Install Phone Boxes With Advertising On High Road

Phone company wants digital panels as part of telephone kiosks

A telephone company is seeking permission to install a phone boxes on Chiswick High Road which would have internally illuminated digital panels on the side of the kiosk. Previously such applications have proved controversial because of claims the primary purpose is to provide a structure to carry ads with actual use of the phone box likely to be minimal.

Euro Payphone company has applied to Hounslow Council for permission to site a box outside 254 Chiswick High Road.

They are planning the installation of an electronic communication apparatus (telephone kiosk) on the pavement.

Their web site says that they offer prime outdoor media locations for the arts, culture, music and entertainment scenes with no rotations.

A view of the phone box open

Previous applications for solar-powered phone boxes by two other phone companies have been refused on the grounds that they would be 'visually intrusive' and would add to street clutter in a conservation area. The issue is a controversial one with several UK councils banning them from high streets, but there are still many areas where they have been allowed.

There were an estimated 3,000 digital panels on UK streets last year.

It is up to the local council to determine whether or not prior planning permission is needed before the pay phones can be installed.

May 22, 2017