Portsmouth bans fossil fuel and plastic ads

February 16, 2026

Portsmouth City Council has announced a landmark policy to restrict advertising for fossil fuel companies, petrol and diesel vehicles, junk food, and single-use plastic products. This major decision aims to improve public health, reduce environmental harm, and support the city’s climate commitments.

The new advertising and sponsorship restrictions were formally approved during a cabinet meeting held on 10 February 2026. Under the updated policy, advertisements promoting environmentally damaging or unhealthy products will no longer be allowed on council-owned or council-managed spaces, including public buildings, street furniture, and other municipal property.

Sponsorship ban targets fossil fuel and non-electric vehicle companies

In addition to banning harmful advertisements, Portsmouth City Council will also prohibit sponsorship agreements involving fossil fuel businesses, petrol and diesel car manufacturers, and companies promoting single-use plastics. Council-funded projects, community initiatives, and public events will no longer accept financial backing from organisations linked to high-pollution industries.

Council leaders also confirmed that advertising spaces will prioritise campaigns that support the city’s strategic objectives, including sustainability, public health, and local economic growth. When advertising demand exceeds available space, preference will be given to organisations aligned with Portsmouth’s environmental and community goals. The council has also reserved the right to reject advertising that promotes tourism services, attractions, or accommodation located outside Portsmouth, helping strengthen the local economy.

Campaigners applaud Portsmouth’s commitment to clean air and climate action

Environmental and public health campaigners have welcomed the new measures, highlighting their potential to reduce air pollution and support healthier lifestyles.

Robbie Gillett, spokesperson for Adfree Cities, an organisation focused on limiting harmful corporate advertising, praised the council’s leadership. He noted that Portsmouth’s decision reinforces its dedication to cleaner air, improved public health, and environmental protection. Gillett emphasised that advertising has a powerful influence on consumer behaviour, purchasing decisions, and societal values. He compared the move to past restrictions on tobacco advertising, which were introduced after recognising the serious health risks associated with smoking.

Portsmouth joins other UK cities restricting polluting industry advertising

Portsmouth now joins several UK councils, including Edinburgh and Sheffield, that have implemented similar restrictions on advertising by fossil fuel companies and other polluting industries. These policies support local net zero targets and demonstrate growing action by local governments to address climate change.

Notably, Portsmouth is the first local authority in the United Kingdom to ban the promotion of single-use plastic products through council advertising channels, marking a significant step in tackling plastic pollution.

Research shows advertising contributes to overconsumption and plastic waste

Dr Kate Whitman, an advertising and sustainability researcher at the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, expressed strong support for the council’s decision. She explained that extensive research shows advertising encourages excessive consumption and contributes to waste generation.

Dr Whitman highlighted that limiting the promotion of single-use plastics could encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions, such as reusable and refillable systems. These circular economy models significantly reduce environmental impact and plastic waste.

Portsmouth green party calls for even stronger advertising restrictions

Members of the Portsmouth Green Party have welcomed the new policy but are urging the council to expand its scope further. Lizzie Rose, Young Greens Officer for Portsmouth Green Party, described the decision as a major victory for residents and environmental campaigners.

She noted that millions of visitors travel through Portsmouth each year and are exposed to countless advertisements. Rose suggested the council should consider restricting promotions for additional high-pollution industries, such as airlines and large SUVs. She also proposed replacing commercial advertising in public spaces with artwork and nature-inspired displays to create healthier, more welcoming environments.

Global movement growing to restrict environmentally harmful advertising

Portsmouth joins a growing number of UK councils, including Cambridgeshire, Devon, and Hackney, that have implemented advertising restrictions to support environmental and public health objectives. International cities such as Amsterdam, Stockholm, Sydney, and Florence have also introduced similar policies targeting high-pollution industries.

Evidence shows these types of advertising restrictions deliver measurable health and economic benefits. For example, tobacco advertising bans significantly reduced smoking rates and prevented serious illness. Similarly, removing junk food advertising across Transport for London resulted in reduced purchases of unhealthy foods and is estimated to save approximately £218 million in NHS and social care costs.

Local campaigners support Portsmouth’s plastic reduction efforts

Local environmental advocate Clare Seek welcomed the council’s continued efforts to reduce plastic waste. She pointed out that Portsmouth previously achieved Plastic Free City status through Surfers Against Sewage, and this latest advertising policy builds on that progress.

Seek emphasised that advertising strongly influences consumer choices, and limiting promotion of harmful products will help align Portsmouth with its sustainability goals while protecting the health and wellbeing of its residents.