28.2.11 Motorway Adverts

Adverts alongside a motorway are not endorsed by local councils and planning committees.  It is apparently the case that they would serve to distract drivers, and that accidents would increase.  This was a commendable notion, but as we are all so aware, the loophole that prevails means we are indeed distracted by signs that are not fixed, and so do not have to comply with planning laws.  These adverts adorn trailers and vehicles on private land alongside motorways across the country.

There has been no claim to my knowledge that accident numbers have risen as a result of this advertising.  I rather suspect that equally, there has been little uptake of the dubious offers on Spectacles, Bathroom Suites, Ebuyer late ordering options etc etc.  Should there ever be such a claim by planners, I think it would be easily discounted on the following basis.

Driving on a motorway requires heightened levels of concentration, and so any distractions could have dire consequences.  Heaven forbid that we should wonder whether a VW Golf might be worth buying, or if Benetton might provide a yellow or blue sweater.  So, how on earth do the planners justify the pompous view when there are already enough distractions and signs for us all to deal with.  Here are some examples.

Slippery Surface, Uneven Surface, Lane Closed, Side Winds, Diverted Traffic, Authorised Vehicles only, No Hard Shoulder For 150yds, Narrow Lanes For 2 Miles, Works Units Only, Works Entrance in 100yds, Keep In Lane, Works Exit, Tiredness Can Kill, Take A Break, Average Speed Check, Roadworks On Slip Road, Roadworks, Services 2 Miles, Keep Your Distance, Check Your Distance, Keep Apart 2 Chevrons, Work Starts Here in 2 Weeks, Traffic Merges Ahead.

On top of these, of course, are the signs at exits giving directions to towns, plus the brown ones that highlight various local attractions and theme parks.  There are the 'countdown' (III / II / I) signs, overhead signs, mileage signs to towns, and the various distractions from brands like Costa Coffee, M&S Food, and adverts on the back and sides of every lorry.  Then there are speed cameras, cones all over the place, and cop cars (plus cars that look like cop cars).

How on earth do we manage not to crash every few minutes.  What with mobile phone calls, texting, emailing and eating/drinking, plus attending to the sat nav, it's impossible to deny that drivers are inundated with information and distractions.  So, not having a few advertising hoardings on show is the least of anyone's problems!

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