London freesheets could face crackdown over litter fears

by Alex Donohue, Brand Republic 09-Oct-06, 08:30

LONDON - Four London boroughs are to lobby Parliament about concerns of the perceived increase in litter generated from the new London freesheets, London Lite and thelondonpaper, according to media reports.

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea is named as one of four London boroughs intending to use an Act of Parliament to put a cap on the number of freesheets handed out.

Associated's London Lite and News International's thelondonpaper, which each launched last month, will soon be joined by another free London paper, being tendered by Network Rail, and will be distributed across its 10 major London railway stations.

It is understood that the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea is "negotiating" with Associated and News International about the possibility of revoking the licences of distributors who act irresponsibly by not ensuring spare copies are recycled.

The Observer reported yesterday that The City of London shares concerns about the reported increase of litter generated by the two new London freesheets, but no official statement has yet been made.

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