Council ponders plan to sell advertising space on its roads
Parramatta Council is exploring the possibility of selling advertising space on its roads in a desperate attempt to swell its coffers, although the plan, the idea of advertising firm RoadAds, was immediately criticised as being a safety hazard.
Under proposals revealed today, the council is considering letting companies paint their brands on roads in the CBD on a six-month trial.
Parramatta Mayor John Chedid predicted it could generate $50,000 in two months if the proposal goes ahead.
But a council spokesperson said it would only proceed if there are no safety issues. He stressed the idea came from RoadAds and was not initiated by the council.
I’m all for this, assuming there are no accidents…
Maybe the council should manage the finances better.
Ads on the road – yes, there will be safety issues. No research needed on this one. Apart from being dam ugly they will be distracting to those drivers that actually don’t watch the traffic flow as it is.
The world has gone mad. What kind of idiot thought up this idea. A progressive thinker? me think not.
I live in the area and that street actually has way more people jaywalking across it than driving down it (and it’s mostly bus traffic), so I’d expect the ads to work in the same manner as other outdoor advertising. Ads on bus shelters and buses aren’t for commuters, they’re for drivers. This is that logic in reverse. Should be interesting to see the results.
The rainbow crossing at Taylor Sq in Sydney – an iconic symbol in an iconic place for gay and lesbian people and their rights – was removed because it was ‘dangerous’.
If this is approved it is a clear backflip because it has revenue opportunity.
Revenue over public sentiment – sounds about right.
Beat me to it James. If a rainbow crossing is deemed to be too distracting, what’s an ad (with messaging to be understood) going to be then? I can see the unfortunate irony already unfolding of the road safety ad placed on the road, only to cause an accident it was designed to prevent.
Dumb ways to drive.
The problem with the rainbow was people trying to get photographed on it – from the middle of the road!
Good point Another Agency. So ‘the rainbow’ was liked and had good appeal and engagement. Pretty much no chance of that happening given their brand logo!
If I see an ad, on a road, late at night, with no one around and it is a brand I hate. Just imagine the fun I could have… I have been trying to teach my racing pigeons to lord up bill boards for years.
Can’t wait to see the Wicked Camper ads in the middle of the road. Can’t get enough of those Chuck Norris slogans.
If a driver is reading an advertising message, they’re not seeing the kid that darts across in front of them.
The council have rocks in their head.
If a driver is looking at their speedo or sat nav, they’re not seeing the kid that darts in front of them.
Therefore, car manufacturers have rocks in their heads.
NOT!