From the WILKES-BARRE TIMES LEADER:
Pennsylvania has become the third state to ask the federal government to allow the sale of advertising on electronic highway signs that it uses to convey safety and traffic information to motorists. Federal Highway Administration regulations bar advertisements on overhead and roadside changeable signs.
The plan’s intent, to raise $150 million annually for highway repairs, is commendable. There’s no question the state could use a financial jolt of new capital for its ailing transportation infrastructure.
But the safety risks appear to be high. Municipal governments – Wilkes-Barre included – have raised legitimate concerns that too many drivers are being distracted by cell phones and texting. To combat the rise of auto accidents and near crashes, they have made use of hand-held devices by drivers a traffic offense punishable by fine…
Click here to read the full article.
Shortly after they start using those signs for advertising, drivers will stop looking at them, so the signs will no longer be serving their intended purpose.
Billboards have been common in the U.S. for decades. In recent years, more and more electronic billboards have appeared, which display a different message several times a minute.
Allowing PAID advertisements to be displayed on highway signs is a good way to help defray their expenses, reducing the cost to taxpayers. Any reasonable way to reduce the expenditure of taxpayer dollars should be seriously considered.
(Imagine police cars and fire trucks displaying the logos of paid sponsors. Why not?)