We use cookies to ensure our site functions properly and to store limited information about your usage. You may give or withdraw consent at any time. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy.
Manage Cookies
A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs. As per the GDPR law, companies need to get your explicit approval to collect your data. Some of these cookies are ‘strictly necessary’ to provide the basic functions of the website and can not be turned off, while others if present, have the option of being turned off. Learn more about our Privacy and Cookie policies. These can be managed also from our cookie policy page.
Strictly necessary cookies(always on):
Necessary for enabling core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. This cannot be turned off. e.g. Sign in, Language
Analytics cookies:
Analytical cookies help us to analyse user behaviour, mainly to see if the users are able to find and act on things that they are looking for. They allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors and to see how visitors move around our website when they are using it. Tools used: Google Analytics
Proposed Removal by BT of 19 Public Call Boxes in Aberdeenshire
Share Proposed Removal by BT of 19 Public Call Boxes in Aberdeenshire on FacebookShare Proposed Removal by BT of 19 Public Call Boxes in Aberdeenshire on TwitterShare Proposed Removal by BT of 19 Public Call Boxes in Aberdeenshire on LinkedinEmail Proposed Removal by BT of 19 Public Call Boxes in Aberdeenshire link
BT is currently carrying out a consultation on the proposed removal of 19 Public Call Boxes (PCBs) in Aberdeenshire. You may have seen details of this consultation posted on affected call boxes within this area. Under 'Documents' (on right hand side or at bottom of this page), please see the attached list of affected PCBs which have been grouped by Aberdeenshire Administrative Area.
New Criteria for Removal
Since 2022, Ofcom have put in place strengthened criteria to protect PCBs from removal where they are still needed. The criteria protect a PCB if it is the last remaining in an area (defined as more than 400 metre walking distance from the next nearest PCB) where:
it does not have coverage from all four mobile network providers; or
it is located in an area with a high frequency of accidents or suicides; or
it has made 52 or more calls over the past 12 months (i.e. the equivalent of one call per week); or
there is other evidence of a reasonable need for the PCB
The information from BT contained in the attached document listing the PCBs proposed for removal indicates that these PCBs do not meet the criteria for protection. Local authorities can make representations and provide evidence for BT to consider before a final decision is made, if it is felt that there are reasonable grounds to retain a PCB. It should be noted that the local authority no longer has the right to veto the removal of a PCB. Full details of the Ofcom rules about removal of PCBs can be found here: Protecting essential phone boxes - Ofcom
We invite individuals and local communities to respond to this consultation if they feel that there is a reasonable need to retain any of the PCBs listed. This must be supported by evidence or examples which can be put to BT for consideration before a decision is on removal is made. Community Councils have already been approached via the Area Offices and responses received to date have been listed.
Communities may be interested to know that BT have retained their ‘adopt’ a disused box scheme, where community groups are able to purchase a red telephone box for other uses for £1. More information on this can be found here: Adopt a Kiosk Scheme | Buy a BT Phone Box | BT Business
Please add any feedback or comments using the survey form below by 28 April 2025.
BT is currently carrying out a consultation on the proposed removal of 19 Public Call Boxes (PCBs) in Aberdeenshire. You may have seen details of this consultation posted on affected call boxes within this area. Under 'Documents' (on right hand side or at bottom of this page), please see the attached list of affected PCBs which have been grouped by Aberdeenshire Administrative Area.
New Criteria for Removal
Since 2022, Ofcom have put in place strengthened criteria to protect PCBs from removal where they are still needed. The criteria protect a PCB if it is the last remaining in an area (defined as more than 400 metre walking distance from the next nearest PCB) where:
it does not have coverage from all four mobile network providers; or
it is located in an area with a high frequency of accidents or suicides; or
it has made 52 or more calls over the past 12 months (i.e. the equivalent of one call per week); or
there is other evidence of a reasonable need for the PCB
The information from BT contained in the attached document listing the PCBs proposed for removal indicates that these PCBs do not meet the criteria for protection. Local authorities can make representations and provide evidence for BT to consider before a final decision is made, if it is felt that there are reasonable grounds to retain a PCB. It should be noted that the local authority no longer has the right to veto the removal of a PCB. Full details of the Ofcom rules about removal of PCBs can be found here: Protecting essential phone boxes - Ofcom
We invite individuals and local communities to respond to this consultation if they feel that there is a reasonable need to retain any of the PCBs listed. This must be supported by evidence or examples which can be put to BT for consideration before a decision is on removal is made. Community Councils have already been approached via the Area Offices and responses received to date have been listed.
Communities may be interested to know that BT have retained their ‘adopt’ a disused box scheme, where community groups are able to purchase a red telephone box for other uses for £1. More information on this can be found here: Adopt a Kiosk Scheme | Buy a BT Phone Box | BT Business
Please add any feedback or comments using the survey form below by 28 April 2025.
Share BT Proposed Public Call Box Removal on FacebookShare BT Proposed Public Call Box Removal on TwitterShare BT Proposed Public Call Box Removal on LinkedinEmail BT Proposed Public Call Box Removal link
