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Minister focuses on roadside adverts

Transport minister Stephen Ladyman has signalled that the Government may consider tougher controls over advertising alongside motorways, following concerns that it is a potentially dangerous distraction to motorists (Surveyor 16 June).

Dr Ladyman has promised to take up the issue of trailer-mounted adverts with the Highways Agency (HA), adding that the Government might consider new powers. One option open to ministers is an amendment to the Road Safety Bill, which is now in the House of Lords.

The HA has no powers to remove adverts from private land and has to rely on planning enforcement by local authorities.

Dr Ladyman has also agreed to discuss with the HA whether there should be more, and better located, Tiredness kills signs on the motorway network. The 57 existing signs are all sited near motorway service areas.