A large illuminated billboard has sparked concerns for driver safety in Blackburn
Blackburn: So, there’s this huge illuminated billboard that just popped up near a busy motorway junction, and folks are not happy about it. The planning department in Blackburn with Darwen is checking if it even has the right permissions.
A local resident, Fred, raised the alarm with councillors, saying it’s “dangerous and distracting” for drivers. He reached out to Cllr Dave Smith and Cllr Anthony Shaw about it. Cllr Smith, who heads the planning and highways committee, has sent the issue to the planning enforcement team.
Fred was pretty shocked to see the billboard. He mentioned it appeared overnight at the junction of the A666 and Earcroft Way. He said it’s super bright and distracting, especially when you’re trying to make a turn at the lights.
He pointed out that the sign is hard to see because it’s behind a speed limit sign and a lamppost. So, it’s not even effective advertising! Plus, if you’re coming from the other direction, you’d have to look out the driver’s side window to see it, which is not safe at all.
Fred joked that it’s so bright you might spot it from Darwen Tower! He raised a good point about how it’s illegal to use your phone while driving, so why is it okay to have such a massive screen distracting drivers?
Cllr Smith is on it, asking the planning enforcement team to check if the billboard is even allowed there. He told Fred in an email that it’s likely unauthorized and that the whole situation with the street furniture is a problem.
It’s a bit wild how something like this can just show up and cause such a stir. Let’s hope they sort it out soon!
