Easing of rules on roadside advertising

12/6/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has asked Main Roads to ease restrictions governing roadside advertising by small business, particularly on approaches to rural towns.

Mr Charlton said Main Roads would explore a number of options through a working party comprising representatives of local government, the Tourism Commission, the RAC and the advertising industry.

"The working party will consider whether regulations can be modified to allow roadside advertising where the demand is evident and the local council is in favour," he said.

"There is an over-riding need to ensure that signs are not likely to cause hazards by distracting drivers and do not become too frequent as to detract unduly from the appearance of road verges generally."

Mr Charlton said current regulations prohibited advertising signs on main roads and highway reserves - or directed at traffic on these roads - where the sign was not related to the premises or land on which it was erected.

The regulations did not allow the Commissioner of Main Roads to exercise discretion.

The Minister said he had no doubt the community wanted some control over signing which either distracted drivers, or detracted from the quality of the environment generally.

"Main Roads' aim is to develop highways and main roads as scenic corridors, preserving roadside flora and providing a pleasant driving environment," he said.

"This aim has to be balanced with the legitimate needs of small business for roadside advertising."

Mr Charlton said community values would be assessed carefully before any major changes were made to existing practices.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333 : 222 9595