Review of roadside advertising

20/9/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today he hoped to see local government take on a greater role in determining regulations over the placement of roadside advertising as a result of a review now under way into the matter.

Mr Charlton said a review had commenced into Main Roads' policies on roadside advertising, with a working party considering whether a limited number should be allowed on highways and main roads.

Current regulation effectively prohibited advertising signs directed at traffic on the State's major roads.

The working party, set up by the Commissioner of Main Roads, Dr Ken Michael, consists of representatives from Main Roads, local government, the RAC, the Western Australian Tourism Commission, the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of the advertising industry.

Mr Charlton said the composition of the group would ensure that the views of Government, business and the community were taken into account.

One of the first steps in the review process would be to canvass the views of individual local government authorities and the community in general.

While he urged the public to actively participate in the review, Mr Charlton asked people to bear in mind the legitimate needs of business to advertise, especially with signs directed at tourists and other road users.

"I hope this process will produce much greater involvement of local government in the control of advertising signs.

"Local government authorities are best placed to reflect public opinion within their communities in relation to aesthetics of advertising signs."

Anyone requiring further information about the review should contact Graham Elderfield at Main Roads Department on 323 4940.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333