Since 1996, Main Roads has had in place the Guide to the Management of Roadside Advertising which, in combination with the Main Roads (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1996, provided for the management and control of roadside advertising displayed from both within and beyond the boundaries of State roads. From a local planning and amenity perspective, Main Roads considers that roadside advertising is first and foremost a responsibility of local governments, in conjunction with the Western Australian Planning Commission, where appropriate, to control and manage under local laws, and local and regional planning schemes. However, where such advertising is directed at, or visible from, the State road network, Main Roads needs to be satisfied that such roadside advertising does not pose a potential safety hazard to road users who may be distracted or confused by the display of the advertising, or who may suffer injury as a result of colliding with advertising devices, or who may be prevented from observing traffic signs and other traffic control devices because of the location of advertising signs. Also, Main Roads has an obligation to ensure visual amenity available to State road-users in the form of natural scenic vistas, prominent city skylines, distinctive bridge architecture, etc, is not unduly compromised by roadside advertising. The traffic hazard potential will vary depending upon the size, type of display, design and construction, and location of the advertising device. Also, whilst one device in isolation may not be potentially hazardous, in those areas where there are several similar devices, the cumulative effect of those devices upon the safety of the road user needs to be taken into consideration. The often subjective nature of what constitutes visual amenity means that independent expert advice on whether or not a signing proposal is aesthetically objectionable may need to be called upon in some circumstances. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the assessment and approval of applications to display roadside advertising within State road reserves and beyond the boundaries of, but visible from, State road reserves. These guidelines replace relevant parts of the Guide to the Management of Roadside Advertising relating to ‘Category 1, 2, 3 and 4’ advertising devices. (Author/publisher)
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