By CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA | Reporter
The Pacific Palisades Community Council voted unanimously to support a motion that opposes the legalization of video advertising on top of vehicles at its meeting on Thursday, March 14.
The motion, originally drafted by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, cites safety concerns brought forward by the California Highway Patrol who believe the large screens only serve to distract drivers.
“The devices may detract from legal lighting requirements such as clearance lighting and hazard lights, and reduce the effectiveness of emergency vehicle lighting,” the motion says.
After approving the advertising program from startup company “Firefly” on buses operated by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, the city of Santa Monica and the University of California Irvine, the state legislature has found negative impacts that the program has had.
“The question is not whether these advertisements cause accidents and other negative consequences, but how many distractions are enough to create an environment potentially too risky and dangerous for people traveling from one place to another,” the state said.
Ban Billboard Blight, an organization set out to protect neighborhoods from obtrusive billboards and signage, called the signs “dangerous, ugly, distracting and even illegal under the California Vehicle Code.”
After a short discussion on the issue and informing everyone that the illuminated signs can already be seen on rideshare services throughout the Palisades, PPCC voted to support the opposition.
City officials are expected to hold a hearing on the controversial technology in the near future.
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