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.
