On Sat, 06 Aug 2005 15:26:20 GMT, Richard J. wrote:

I always thought that fixed adverts next to motorways weren't allowed on
safety grounds, and that this explains why our motorways generally
aren't lined with adverts, in contrast to some other countries. But
this rule, if it exists, doesn't seem to apply to the elevated section
of the M4, where not only are buildings used as advertising hoardings,
but purpose-built advert towers have been erected on land beside the A4
to distract drivers on the M4. Anyone know if such a rule exists?

Its up to the relevant highway agency to object to the planning permission,
in every case on the M4 they didn't bother (or couldn't be even bothered to
consider it).

For all signs along the elevated section the signs were refused permission
by the council (on local environment grounds), but the firms building these
things are huge and just build it anyway then put in appeals to overrule
the council later on. Some of the signs use the loophole on adverts on
"building sites" anyway.

Steve