FEUER INTRODUCES MORATORIUM ON NEW ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS
California Political Desk
January 13, 2009
Construction and Conversions to Halt for Results of Safety Studies.
Los Angeles Today Assemblymember Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Bill 109, legislation to place a moratorium on the construction of, or conversion to, new digital advertising displays until 2012. The moratorium would give policymakers time to adequately review the results of pending safety studies on the potential driving hazards associated with electronic billboards.
"Many states and municipalities have raised concerns over the safety of electronic billboards. Common sense dictates that before we allow these displays to proliferate, we should know the results of pending safety analyses and evaluate how to respond," said Feuer.
The brightness and rapidity of display change of electronic billboards may create hazards to motorists, and several studies examining these concerns are currently being conducted. A study by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials will be released later in January. The Federal Highway Administration will also release the first part of a two-phase study on the subject this month; however, the second part, which will document results of the field work and policy suggestions for improving motorist safety, anticipated to be released at the end of 2009.
In addition to halting construction of new electronic billboards, AB 109 would also disallow the conversion of existing static billboards. This would include 877 signs approved for conversion in Los Angeles as a part of the World Wide Rush v. City of Los Angeles settlement. Further, it would prohibit advertising on official electronic changeable message signs, which convey information to motorists about Amber Alerts, traffic conditions, and emergencies.
"Electronic billboards are starting to clutter our neighborhoods and we need to stop them before they take over our communities. This state moratorium is the first step toward giving cities the tools we need to create stronger local ordinances," said Council President Eric Garcetti.
In December, the L.A. City Council unanimously approved a three-month moratorium on billboards, in order to strengthen current regulations for the advertising.
"The bottom line is that safety should always take precedence over profit," said Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, Chair of the Councilīs Planning, Land Use and Management Committee. "The truth is we donīt know what dangers digital signs could be creating on our streets and highways for both commuters and pedestrians, and until we know, this legislation by Assemblymember Mike Feuer makes sense."
"The City of Los Angeles has struggled with billboard blight for many years, and my district's neighborhoods would welcome state legislation to help limit the assault of new advertising. I appreciate Assemblymember Feuer's strong effort to fully understand the impacts of digital signs and to control them," said Councilmember Jack Weiss.
In Southern California, Pasadena bans all forms of billboard advertising, while Santa Monica prohibits electronic displays. Other major cities that have outlawed electronic billboards include St. Paul, Des Moines, and Wichita. The states of Montana and Kentucky have also instituted temporary bans, to be revisited following the release of safety studies.
"This bill is an extremely important first step in the state's efforts to regain control of its highways and to ensure that the safety of California's families and visitors is protected," said Kevin Fry, President of Scenic America, a national advocacy organization that provides information and resources to protect the scenic quality of communities. "This is a chance for the state to take a deep breath and collect scientific information about the safety implications of these signs, which, after all, are deliberately designed to distract drivers."
Assemblymember Mike Feuer was elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 42nd Assembly District, which includes all or part of the Los Angeles communities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Universal City, Griffith Park, Brentwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Beverly Glen, Westwood, Century City, Hollywood, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, as well as the Cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.
Los Angeles Today Assemblymember Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Bill 109, legislation to place a moratorium on the construction of, or conversion to, new digital advertising displays until 2012. The moratorium would give policymakers time to adequately review the results of pending safety studies on the potential driving hazards associated with electronic billboards.
"Many states and municipalities have raised concerns over the safety of electronic billboards. Common sense dictates that before we allow these displays to proliferate, we should know the results of pending safety analyses and evaluate how to respond," said Feuer.
The brightness and rapidity of display change of electronic billboards may create hazards to motorists, and several studies examining these concerns are currently being conducted. A study by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials will be released later in January. The Federal Highway Administration will also release the first part of a two-phase study on the subject this month; however, the second part, which will document results of the field work and policy suggestions for improving motorist safety, anticipated to be released at the end of 2009.
In addition to halting construction of new electronic billboards, AB 109 would also disallow the conversion of existing static billboards. This would include 877 signs approved for conversion in Los Angeles as a part of the World Wide Rush v. City of Los Angeles settlement. Further, it would prohibit advertising on official electronic changeable message signs, which convey information to motorists about Amber Alerts, traffic conditions, and emergencies.
"Electronic billboards are starting to clutter our neighborhoods and we need to stop them before they take over our communities. This state moratorium is the first step toward giving cities the tools we need to create stronger local ordinances," said Council President Eric Garcetti.
In December, the L.A. City Council unanimously approved a three-month moratorium on billboards, in order to strengthen current regulations for the advertising.
"The bottom line is that safety should always take precedence over profit," said Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, Chair of the Councilīs Planning, Land Use and Management Committee. "The truth is we donīt know what dangers digital signs could be creating on our streets and highways for both commuters and pedestrians, and until we know, this legislation by Assemblymember Mike Feuer makes sense."
"The City of Los Angeles has struggled with billboard blight for many years, and my district's neighborhoods would welcome state legislation to help limit the assault of new advertising. I appreciate Assemblymember Feuer's strong effort to fully understand the impacts of digital signs and to control them," said Councilmember Jack Weiss.
In Southern California, Pasadena bans all forms of billboard advertising, while Santa Monica prohibits electronic displays. Other major cities that have outlawed electronic billboards include St. Paul, Des Moines, and Wichita. The states of Montana and Kentucky have also instituted temporary bans, to be revisited following the release of safety studies.
"This bill is an extremely important first step in the state's efforts to regain control of its highways and to ensure that the safety of California's families and visitors is protected," said Kevin Fry, President of Scenic America, a national advocacy organization that provides information and resources to protect the scenic quality of communities. "This is a chance for the state to take a deep breath and collect scientific information about the safety implications of these signs, which, after all, are deliberately designed to distract drivers."
Assemblymember Mike Feuer was elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 42nd Assembly District, which includes all or part of the Los Angeles communities of Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Universal City, Griffith Park, Brentwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Beverly Glen, Westwood, Century City, Hollywood, Fairfax, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, as well as the Cities of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.