London’s Fast Food Advertising Ban on Public Transport
London, United Kingdom Address: Greater London Authority, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE
Marketing and Regulation
Local, Regional
Citizens/Consumers, Businesses
Ongoing
The policy aims to reduce the prevalence of obesity, especially in children, by addressing exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods. The ban focuses on prohibiting HFSS advertisements across Transport for London (TfL) services.
The policy was introduced by the Mayor of London in 2019 in response to public health concerns regarding high rates of childhood obesity in London. The initiative followed consultations with public health experts, local government, and stakeholders in the advertising and food industries.
The Greater London Authority and Transport for London (TfL) are responsible for enforcing the policy. Compliance is monitored through reviews of advertisements submitted to TfL, and violators are subject to penalties.
The policy has been implemented across the TfL network, with clear guidelines for advertisers. Early assessments show reduced exposure to HFSS advertising, with some evidence suggesting a positive impact on public health awareness. Long-term evaluations are underway to measure changes in obesity rates.