Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House, Queensland has a plague of billboards. The increase in giant digital billboards is a worse distraction to drivers than using the phone when driving. An example is on Lutwyche Road Brisbane, there are approximately 16 giant digital billboards in less than 8 kilometres, none appear to advertise goods or services related to businesses where the signs are located, are a distraction to drivers and are unnecessary visual clutter. 

Four states in the USA, Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine have all banned billboards (off-premise advertising signs) in a strong step in creating road corridors free of visual clutter and driver distractions. Distracted drivers are a danger not only to themselves and their passengers but to other road users as well. It only takes a split second to lose your concentration.

While on premise signs can create visual clutter that distract from the beauty of a place and impede traffic safety, off-premise billboards do distract drivers. On-premise signs that are compatible with the character of the surrounding area should only be permitted, as visual appealing business signs, can contribute to a community’s sense of place and identity. As the US Court said (in Berman v. Parker) "it is within the power of the legislature to determine that the community should be beautiful as well as healthy".

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to ensure a total ban on approving off-premise billboards and begin to phase out all off-premise billboard advertising in Queensland.