Editorial: Wicked Campers cross the line

Just one of the controversial Wicked Campers that can be seen on New Zealand roads.

Most of us who spend any time on the roads have probably seen the odd Wicked Campers around the place.

You know them because you're likely to have read one of the slogans they've become so well known for.

And you've likely had a reaction - anything from a bit of a giggle, a mild case of shock or being outright horrified.

Not everyone will be insulted by the slogans on the back of the campers. But many will have been.

And it's because of that three Government ministers have teamed up to find a way to make Wicked Campers stop using the slogans, which have sparked a string of complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Good on them. I don't like to think of myself as easily offended or a prude, but when they're on our roads, used to represent our country, it's a bit of a different story.

Say what you like in your own home, make jokes about whatever tickles your fancy, but the last thing I want to be is pulled up at the lights next to one of these campers with my 6-year-old reading one of the slogans.

Long car trips when you're encouraging the kids to read road signs are a whole different story when they're patiently and eagerly sounding out the smutty slogans on the back of the van in front.

And even worse when an inquisitive mind doesn't really understand.

There is a line, and I believe it's one that Wicked Campers has crossed.

Now it's time we make sure that line doesn't get smudged, because once it does there'll be no going back.

Let's keep a wee bit of decency - at least when out in the open for everyone to see.