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HUGE: The giant advertising boards on the streets of Ashton
Tee-d off over giant A-boards
24/ 9/2008
HUGE advertising billboards in Tameside could be removed over fears they are a ‘dangerous distraction’ to motorists.
Several of the ‘big t’ signs were erected on roadsides across the borough last year, but town hall chiefs are worried they divert drivers’ attention, especially ones sited at junctions.
Installed by JCDecaux, the illuminated 10ft adverts scroll at regular intervals, housed in a giant letter ‘t’ for Tameside. In return for use of its land, JCDecaux shares the cash generated with the council.
Of particular concern is the hoarding on the approach from Stalybridge to the Scotland Street roundabout in Ashton. The advertising signs can also be found on Manchester Road, Ashton and the Snipe exit of the M60 in Ashton.
Councillor Ann Holland, a member of the environmental scrutiny panel, has demanded the billboards are removed.
She said: "We really need to consider the health and safety implications of these signs. I feel they are a dangerous distraction. The movement of the adverts as they rotate really draws your eye from the road. If the lights are all on green along Manchester Road, motorists can reach speeds of 40mph."
A council spokesman said: "The t-signs are situated on major routes into the borough. Planning permission took into account highway concerns particularly in relation to issues around visual distraction. The signs cost the council nothing. The full production costs are met by JCDecaux although the council does get a share of the income that they generate. Any advertising revenue that is generated is used to support council priorities and in this instance is ploughed back into business marketing and attracting investment."
A JCDecaux spokesman said: "Many councils in large metropolitan areas and cities, run similar schemes to generate additional revenue from council land. We aren’t aware of any specific instances where road traffic safety issues have been an issue."
The scrutiny panel have passed the matter to the enforcement panel for further consideration.
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25/09/2008 at 14:53