California proposes allowing ads on freeway signs

State proposes allowing ads on freeway signs Inland News PE.com Southern California News News for Inland Southern California:

State of California proposes allowing ads on freeway signs
Download story podcast
10:00 PM PST on Saturday, November 8, 2008
By HERBERT ATIENZA
The Press-Enterprise

Freeway message signs highlighting accidents and abducted children could soon be flashing something else: images of Golden Arches or the lowest rates you can get for your mortgage.
If a proposal from the Schwarzenegger administration comes to pass, thousands of commuters who travel across California freeways could become a captive audience for advertising on more than 600 highway signs when they are not in use to provide drivers with traffic conditions and Amber Alert messages. It is believed California would be the first state in the nation to allow public electronic signs to carry advertising.
Supporters say the proposal could raise millions of dollars for badly needed road repairs and for fixing up the signs themselves. Critics argue that showing advertising on the signs would cause visual blight and distraction for motorists.

Inland freeway message signs, similar to this one on the southbound side of Highway 91 near the Riverside/Corona border, could soon start displaying advertisements.
'I don't think they need any more distraction than they do now,' said Michael Tassinari Sr., 63, a retired truck driver who lives in Hemet. He said California already has a surplus of bad drivers and putting advertising directly in front of them would not help their motoring skills.
In addition to using highway message signs to generate cash for state coffers, other proposals under study include

Most Popular Posts this Week...
Do you like to ski?
Help Find this missing girl!
Read this alone
The Affiliate X Factor Program
Do you want to write a book? tips and tricks on getting started.