Caltrans considers ads for interstate billboards
Those helpful road alert signs currently dedicated to warn drivers of accidents, road closures, or Amber alerts, may take on yet another role if Caltrans (the California Department of Transportation) moves forward with their latest senseless consideration... advertising. With millions of dollars in potential ad revenue clouding their judgment, Caltrans is reviewing the idea of putting ads on the state's highway signs. Without regard to the distraction of drivers, ad agencies would sell the advertising and give the state a cut (after taking out their share of the profit, of course). According to Caltrans, the idea would reduce costs, generate revenue, and create more jobs. The California State Outdoor Advertising Association is all for it, while Scenic America (a preservation group) is having heart palpitations at the thought. If there is a sign of hope (hey, a pun!), none of this will go through without the occasionally level-headed DOT's approval. Let's hope they aren't as hard up for a few bucks.
[Source: All Cars, All the Time]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mark 1:39PM (10/25/2008)
The purpose of these signs is to deliver vital information. If you're going to start peppering them with advertisements, people aren't going to pay attention to them anymore. What an absolutely unacceptable idea. If you want advertising, build some billboards.
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SOhp101 2:43PM (10/25/2008)
Agreed. Those things cause traffic when they post Amber alert info... imagine how much more they'd cause if they had 'male enhancement' ads.
larry a 3:17PM (10/25/2008)
dont we have enough advertisements in this country? i personally would like to see an end to all billboards
Dan 10:15PM (10/25/2008)
Gee, didn't Mr. Clarkson recently undergo a campaign to rid Britan of useless or illegible street signs??? I think that even billboards are enough destraction from driving. Also I find the "keep your eyes on the road" sign to be quite redundant.
SimbaDogg 3:01PM (10/26/2008)
@ larry...
i've always been a firm believer in advertisements. especially ones like billboards. they work great for people that actually like/buy/are interested in the product. and if you dont like them, turn your head. that simple.
taipeileviathan 2:11PM (10/25/2008)
level-headed DOT? don't make me pull out the ol' oxy-moron pun, buddy. i'll do it, i swear to god i will.
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fizzandpop 3:17PM (10/25/2008)
Stupid, stupid stupid. Let's decrease the effectiveness of our warning signs so we can make money. Utterly feeble-minded idea.
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elpepe 3:18PM (10/25/2008)
well that sounds like a brilliant idea *cough*... What's next, advertising on traffic signs? Just imagine....
"STOP! have you remembered to pick up a tube of Preparation-H?!"
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Michael 3:56PM (10/25/2008)
No.
No, no, and no.
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catgirlshyla 4:17PM (10/25/2008)
*slowpoke.jpg*
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Tony 4:38PM (10/25/2008)
Another example of taxpayers paying for advertisements to themselves - and in this case making cash for the government too! Sad!
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jesda 7:15PM (10/25/2008)
I'm a leisure highway traveler who relies on billboards for gas, food, and hotel information. I say, the more ads the better.
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Luis 7:12PM (10/25/2008)
Log this under "Yet another absolutely ridiculous idea for tax payers to be billed for"....
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bunky 7:41PM (10/25/2008)
Horrible, horrible idea.
Those signs are for important SAFETY and TRAFFIC info only.
Anything else and the signs lose all effectiveness.
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Joseph 7:47PM (10/25/2008)
Horrible idea.
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nomatta 11:35PM (10/25/2008)
this is going to lower taxes right?
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Pat 7:06AM (10/26/2008)
Lewis Black called this years ago on one of his albums. He wanted to advertise for gun stores when traffic got too bad.
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Dane 3:17PM (10/26/2008)
Can anything be left alone???? They are (signs) are built for our safety - NOT the benefit of FatDonalds!!!!
STOP IT California.... Idiots........
Glad I don't live in the "State for the Weak" - California
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Boz 9:32PM (10/26/2008)
Dude, don't bash California. Just because some government agency here has a stupid idea doesn't mean we're all idiots.
I highly doubt your state government has never had a bad idea. We're not judging you. Lay off.
What's with all the hate in this country?
Jacq 1:10PM (10/26/2008)
What next ?
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