Utrecht has become the latest Dutch city to vote to ban advertising for meat products from its own advertising hoardings at bus stops and the roadside, because of the impact on health and the climate.

The city had already banned “fossil fuel” adverts for petrol, cars and flying as more and more councils adopt tougher conditions for what should be promoted to their residents.

Bloemendaal, for example, has also opted to stop advertising for meat, dairy and products that require fossil fuels and Zwolle, Haarlem, Amsterdam and the province of Noord-Holland are working on similar moves.

The bans will only apply to advertising hoardings owned by the local authority – some 850 in the case of Utrecht. The bans will also only be introduced when current contracts with advertising companies expire.

Amsterdam university professor Jan Willem Bolderdijk told broadcaster NOS that he did not expect the ban will produce a direct impact on the consumption of meat or people’s holiday habits.

However, the bans do “simulate debate” he said, pointing out that Haarlem’s ground-breaking decision led to headlines around the world.

Advertising companies however, said national rules would be preferable to a mish-mash of local initiatives. Climate minister Rob Jetten said earlier this would be up to the next government.