Distribution of free printed matter in Wolverhampton city centre

Section 94B and Schedule 3A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 contains powers (brought in by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005) for councils to control the free distribution of printed matter where areas are being defaced from time to time with litter arising from such activities.

The Council has determined that the City Centre is being defaced from time to time by free printed and has made an order designating all relevant land within the Ring Road where the distribution of free printed matter without consent is an offence.

Any person who distributes free printed matter in a designated place without the consent of the Council is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (currently £2,500 maximum). An offence is also committed if someone ‘causes’ another person to distribute free printed matter in a designated area without consent.

“Free printed matter” includes any newspaper, document, card, leaflet, pamphlet, sticker or other literature for which no charge is made to the recipient.

Further information

The PDFs below are a copy of the guidance on the free distribution of printed matter, an application form and map of the area covered by the Order.