Bright billboards causing driver headaches and safety concerns
Some drivers in London, Ont.’s west end are raising concerns about a pair of shining digital billboards recently installed on a rail overpass.
“It’s definitely a lot brighter than what you expect to see on a sign so I understand how it might bother some people,” said driver Valter Hodor, who was out driving Monday night.
The digital billboards by RCC Media have been affixed to the north and south sides of the overpass on Wonderland Road North, just south of Oxford Street West.
They’ve gotten the attention of drivers on social media, with some commenting and sharing dashcam footage.
“Is it just me or is this thing blindingly icepick headache inducing?” asked Reddit user 1UningedMom.
Rokemay added, “It’s crazy bright. Even during the day I find it incredibly distracting.”
Meliorism_and_Meraki wrote “bliiiinded by the light.”
In a statement to CTV News, Peter Kokkoros, the city’s Director, Building and Chief Building Official, said the signs “were issued permits for display, and the locations of the signs are in compliance with the council approved Sign By-law. The city will continue to Monitor the signs’ brightness levels to ensure compliance with the illumination regulations…”
Ward 8 Councillor Steve Lehman, whose ward borders the signs, said the brightness problem will be dealt with, but he added that the signage is better than what was there before.
“They cover up rusty railroad sidings and graffiti, with the signs, which I think are an urban blight, quite frankly,” he explained. “CN rail was responding to a request to clean up the city and this is where they kind of met the middle grounds.”
Ward 13 Councillor David Ferriera, whose ward also borders the bright signs, said he’s concerned about driver safety, and will also be following up with city staff.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
BREAKING Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
Ontario Provincial Police say they have 'disrupted' an organized crime group that allegedly used an emergency grandparent scam to defraud seniors across Canada out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.