Andorra la Vella Halts New Illuminated Ad Permits Amid Light Pollution Review

Andorra la Vella's local council has temporarily halted new permits for illuminated signs and screens in public spaces while reviewing outdoor advertising regulations to address light pollution and adapt to current urban demands.

The Comú d'Andorra la Vella made the decision amid a steady increase in such displays in recent years. Fieldwork is now cataloguing existing setups, covering their categories, measurements, light intensity levels, administrative compliance, and compatibility with business requirements and broadcast schedules.

This assessment examines effects on local residents, pedestrians, traffic safety, and the urban environment. Results will shape updates to the outdoor advertising ordinance, enacted on 19 December 2012, with tighter rules on placement, sizes, visibility from streets, and operational terms.

Councillor for Procedures, Taxes and Debtors Susagna Mosquera said the aim is to oversee these features more effectively, elevate public areas, and define standards for locations, specs, sizes, and conditions of ads seen from city spaces. Council sources called the pause a forward-thinking step to avoid issuing permits that might clash with forthcoming rules, all while supporting commerce, road safety, and community well-being.

The hold remains in place until the review wraps up and revised regulations take effect, at which point approvals will restart under the updated system. Officials stressed the need to align evolving parish conditions with economic vitality.