The A-frame signs are being targeted amid concerns they are a trip hazard for some elderly people and people with a disability.

The concerns were raised by the council sanctioned Aging and Access Community Committee members who have called for an existing ban on the sandwich boards to be upheld.

It is currently council policy not to allow A-frame signs on footpaths due to safety and potential liability issues. Because it is on council property council could be liable if an accident happens. 

Committee member Donna Holland has a vision impairment and although she can see where the signs are, she said they could be an issue for others and some encroached more on the footpath than others.

“They are a health hazard,” she said.

“I think they would be an issue for other people who wouldn’t be able to see them,” she said.

“Most of the time they are alright for me, most of them are a little bit further up from the [shop’s] door but are close to the walls.”

McCarthy’s Pharmacy in Lords Place is one of many Orange businesses that have A-frame signs out the front.

However, pharmacy manager Peita Whiley said she displays the sign close to the shop window under the awning to prevent it from being an obstruction.

“For us, because we’ve got such a flat front of our store it shows people that we are open and where we are,” Mrs Whiley said.

Councillor Neil Jones attended the committee meeting where the issue was discussed and said council had previously ignored the issue due to a lack of resources and compliance officers to police the ruling.

“The real issue for the Aging and Assessment Community Committee was to ensure there’s an obstruction free pathway through the CBD streets,” Cr Jones said.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au