From My Bottom Step

In my recent written submission to Planning Committee, I asked that “the appropriatness of allowing large video displays, mobile advertising, etc. anywhere in the city, be referred to staff for a comprehensive study (including consultation with London Police Service), followed by a report back to the appropriate standing committee and the opportunity for public engagement.” ⁰¹

Fast-forward 5 weeks, and I’ve still not had any response to that request (to read my ‘Lack of Due Process‘ submisison to London’s Governance Task Force, CLICK HERE).

“The glowing signs offer advertisers a tantalizing new means of cutting through the urban clutter. But some North American officials worry that the bright billboards, which display a new image every few seconds, are another dangerous distraction for drivers, many of whom are already multitasking behind the wheel.” ⁰²

Well, if stationary digital billboards pose a risk, then how much more dangerous are mobile digital ads?

“Making your way along the sidewalk you hear hundreds of vehicles idling in rush hour traffic. The cars crawl forward a few metres, and a truck comes in to view. It carries a huge billboard, advertising a perfume, then flips to another panel promoting a high-end strip club. Welcome to the phenomenon of mobile billboards — large truck-mounted ads driven solely for the purpose of advertising.” ⁰³

Although London does have a Streets By-Law and a Sign & Canopy By-Law (which restricts “Electronic Message Centres”), I wonder how well it controls this kind of dangerous intrusion into the minds of automobile operators?

Sources:
01. submission to Planning Committee
02. Flashing before drivers’ eyes
03. Commercial drive
04. The bill for the boards

Other Links:
STOP Mobile Billboards (Toronto)
überculture: [B]ad Trucks
PublicSpace: the Billboard Batallion