Despite ban, digital advertisements still on display

Despite the ban on displaying digital advertisements on roadsides in  the city, illuminated signboards are still spotted at areas like Vyttila, Kacherippadi, Kadavanthra and Medical Trust Hospital Junction. 

When contacted, the Kochi Corporation authorities said stop notices have been issued to the persons concerned asking to remove them.

The digital advertisements, one of the major reasons cited for road accidents, was banned by the Kochi Corporation six months ago. 

An earlier directive issued by the National Highway Development Authority  stated that digital display advertisements caused accidents by shifting the attention of drivers.

It was based on this directive that the Corporation took steps  to ban digital signboards within the city limit.

In an effort to strengthen the initiative, the civic body has also framed a new by-law to control unauthorised advertisements. According to the new by-law, all digitalised moving advertisements in the city have been banned.

A special squad was formed by the Town Planning Committee to identify illegal advertisements. The squad has also been assigned to ensure that illegal advertisements are not in place within the city limit.

Following the drive, the squad has located 15 spots where digital  advertisements were displayed and a report has been submitted in this regard.

Memos were also sent to all building owners on which the digital advertisements were exhibited asking them to remove the boards.

However, even after six months, as many as five boards are still displayed.

Town Planning Committee chairman K J Sohan said strict action will be taken against illegal digital advertisements within the Corporation limit.

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