FIFE Council may follow Edinburgh's example by banning advertising boards on shopping streets.

A city-wide pilot ban of the signs was introduced in the capital last month in a move welcomed by disability organisations.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) revealed that a third of blind and partially-sighted people surveyed had been injured by the pavement clutter.

Fife Council's Derek Crowe said: “We’re not aware of the detail of the Edinburgh pilot project but will be speaking to them about what they’ve learned to date, before considering whether a Fife policy change should be proposed to councillors.

"We receive very few complaints about A-boards but, when we do, we act. If any A-boards are seen to be causing a particular problem and are brought to our attention we will follow these up.”

“The issue falls under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and we can and do take action where these are causing a problem.

“We have previously carried out campaigns and enforcement. Every time we do, we see a significant reduction for a while but, over time the numbers start to creep back up.

"When A-boards are identified as an obstruction or road safety is an issue we will ask for it to be removed, or our own staff will remove the boards if they are causing an immediate danger."

Carl Hodson, chief executive of Seescape, formerly Fife Society for the Blind, said: “For any person with a visual impairment, moving around busy streets and negotiating both people and street furniture can be extremely daunting.

“At Seescape, we help teach the skills for people to maintain their independence but we do also rely on the goodwill of others, so feel Edinburgh’s initiative is a positive step forward for others to follow.”

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, has encouraged council's to follow in Edinburgh’s footsteps.

He said: “We welcome Edinburgh’s decision to make the capital’s streets safer and more inclusive for residents with disabilities. The key to any successful 21st century city must be inclusivity.

"A city that is open and welcome to everyone, no matter what disabilities they may have. While we want business to prosper, our streets should not be an obstacle course to be negotiated.”