Electronic billboard distracts motorists, says LTSA

1.00pm - BY STEVE HOPKINS

The Land Transport Safety Authority is planning to object to the continued use of Auckland's first electronic billboard, claiming it is a distraction for motorists.

Visual Solutionz erected the 5.7m by 4.4m live billboard on the corner of Fanshawe and Halsey streets last month after gaining consent from Auckland City Council in July for a six-month trial.

Land Transport Safety Authority Auckland regional manager Peter Kippenberger said he would be "surprised" if the billboard didn't cause accidents because it was "extremely distracting".

Mr Kippenberger said the LTSA would lodge an objection when Visual Solutionz reapplied in January 2005 for consent to continue using the billboard.

There were 360 accidents at intersections in Auckland last year. The council has received seven complaints about the billboard which runs advertisements in seven-second slots, 45 times an hour.

Visual Solutionz operations manager Steve Clark said the billboard was not distracting and was less dangerous than talking and texting on cellphones while driving.

The company was not happy with the number of complaints but said it was not bad considering "40,000 plus cars go past it every day".

- HERALD ON SUNDAY