Bristol Council bans advertising of high carbon products 

Green-led Bristol city council has today banned the advertising of high-carbon products on bus shelters, digital screens and billboards owned by the council across the city.

The amended ‘Advertising and Sponsorship Policy’, which was adopted by the Strategy and Resources Committee today, will put a ban on the advertising of petrol and diesel vehicles, flights and high-carbon holidays, firms related to the fossil fuel industry and marketing that encourages excessive consumption of fashion products.

It follows the adoption of similar policies in Sheffield and Edinburgh.

Cllr Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, said, “Advertising forces itself upon all of us. Whilst scrolling, whilst walking, whilst waiting for the bus, it has negative impacts on our health and wellbeing, as well as the climate, environment and local economy. And it is unsurprising that the most extractive and damaging industries are able to spend the most.

“The Bristol Greens are committed to pushing back on this, so I am delighted that as a council we have today banned the advertising of high-carbon products throughout the city.

“As the first council to introduce restrictions on the advertising of fast fashion, we will continue to look at how we can keep improving our advertising policy so that our outdoor spaces reflect the positive values of Bristol, reduce our climate impact and improve our local neighbourhoods and economy.”

Bristol City Council’s ‘Advertising and Sponsorship Policy’ policy was first adopted in 2021 to limit people’s exposure to excessive and harmful advertising, as well as supporting a move towards the promotion of healthier and more sustainable options.

Notes:

1. 01. Committee Report.pdf
2. The following are being proposed for inclusion in high-carbon restrictions:

• Petrol, diesel and hybrid-electric vehicles, and all vehicles where the DVLA manufacture-reported model is an ‘SUV’ (including Electric Vehicle models).
• Promotion or availability of flights, airports, cruise holidays and travel agents.
• Firms and associated sub-brands or lobbying organisations that extract, refine, produce, supply, distribute or sell any fossil fuels.
• Marketing campaigns that encourage excessive consumption of fashion products or trends