Municipality of Den Haag Satisfied with Court Ruling on Fossil Advertising Ban

The Municipality of Den Haag is pleased with the preliminary ruling of the provisional judge that maintains the ban on fossil outdoor advertising. The municipality has been granted all points by the judge. This confirms that municipalities, due to their responsibility for the health of residents and the environment, have the authority to prohibit fossil advertising in public spaces. Alderman Robert Barker: This ruling is a sustainable milestone.

In its ruling, the judge emphasizes that the municipality has sufficiently substantiated that the fossil advertising ban is suitable and necessary. It points out that this ban can contribute to health. The ban on fossil outdoor advertising is a measure that, according to scientists, is essential for a sustainable transition and protecting public health. Advertising influences behavior. The municipal council has therefore consciously chosen this ban, 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 question of an unlawful infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms under European law. As indicated during the hearing: a ban on outdoor advertising for, for example, air travel or cruise vacations is a justified restriction. The intended goal, the health of residents and the environment, weighs heavily. The right to advertise is not absolute, especially 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 part.

Alderman Robert Barker (Public 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. Den Haag has, as the first city in the world, banned fossil advertising from public spaces because this advertising contributes to worsening climate change. It would be great if more municipalities follow suit and thus contribute to a better world.

As the first municipality in the Netherlands, Den Haag has implemented this ban through legislation (the General Local Regulation). This also sends an important signal to other authorities: it is possible to shape local climate policy with a ban on fossil outdoor advertising.

More Information

– Rechtspraak.nl: Begin externe link:Ban on the creation of fossil advertising in Den Haag remains in effect(External link), end external link.