The municipality of The Hague is satisfied with the interim ruling of the interim relief judge that upholds the ban on fossil outdoor advertising. The municipality has been proven right by the judge on all points. This confirms that municipalities, due to their responsibility for the health of residents and the environment, have the authority to ban fossil advertising in public spaces. Alderman Robert Barker: “ This ruling is a sustainable milestone .”
In her ruling, the judge emphasizes that the municipality has sufficiently substantiated that the fossil advertising ban is suitable and necessary. She points out that this ban can contribute to health. The ban on fossil outdoor advertising is a measure that scientists believe is essential for a sustainable transition and the protection of public health. Advertising influences behavior. The municipal council has therefore consciously opted for this ban, in order to confront residents and visitors less with advertising for products and services that contribute to climate change and air pollution.
The judge now rules that the municipality remains within its powers with the ban on fossil outdoor advertising and that there is no unlawful violation of fundamental rights and freedoms under European law. As was indicated during the hearing: a ban on outdoor advertising for, for example, air travel or cruise holidays is a justified restriction. The intended purpose, the health of residents and the environment, weighs heavily. The right to advertise is not absolute, certainly not when the environment and health are at stake. The judge indicates that the municipality rightly pointed out that every little bit helps and that the municipality wants to do its bit.
Alderman Robert Barker (Outdoor Space, Animal Welfare and Environment) calls the ruling an important step forward: ” This ruling shows that municipalities are not powerless, but do have instruments to tackle the climate crisis. The Hague is the first city in the world to ban fossil advertising from public spaces, because this advertising contributes to the worsening of climate change. It would be great if more municipalities followed suit and thus contributed to a better world. “
The Hague is the first municipality in the Netherlands to implement this ban through legislation (the General Local Regulation). This also sends an important signal to other governments: it is possible to shape local climate policy with a ban on fossil outdoor advertising.
Text: Gemeente Den Haag, translated into English by The Hague Online for the international community
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/town-hall-the-hague-architecture-2660972/