Regulate LED Display Advertising in Australia

The issue

We don’t want to live like this.

 

 

It's so bright, you can see the reflection almost too well.

 

It's so bright, it's impossible to read - almost ineffective.

 

So bright, it hurts our eyes.

 

Distracting.

 

Overwhelmingly bright colours.

 

 

 

 

 

Too bright, too obtrusive.

 

 

 

LED advertising has changed the face of public places with vibrant, illuminated displays. 

However, these large, glowing ads have become overwhelming, especially when illuminating our streets at night, posing a risk to drivers and infringing on our right to inhabit public spaces without undue distraction.

This is Australia, we do not want to live surrounded by excessive advertising like New York, London or Tokyo. 

Please support us to bring attention to this growing problem.

The LED technology used has evolved to produce light that is far too intense for such large presentations.

Studies in the UK have shown accidental deaths due to excessively bright lights from vehicles, with over 216 reported accidents from bright LED lights. Just imagine what outdoor LED advertising is doing to cause distracted drivers.

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/government-investigates-headlight-safety-as-motorists-blame-blinding-leds-for-accidents

We bring attention to this correlation as LED advertisements may exacerbate similar risks.

Beyond this, excessive light pollution, augmented by these bright displays, adds to environmental degradation.

Some local councils are looking at ways to improve this after hours, but it’s not enough - even during daylight the effects are concerning. 

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/18/let-there-be-night-digital-billboards-to-be-turned-off-to-curb-light-pollution-under-melbourne-city-proposal

Regulations exist, but as more LED billboards are constructed, as seen above, they are dominant and larger screens result in more brightness overall, regulation can’t keep up with the advertiser’s briefs to marketing agencies - with more LED billboards now also showing fast moving videos and motion graphics.

https://www.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/DTP-Requirements-and-Guidelines-for-Illuminated-Outdoor-Advertising-Signage.pdf

We call upon lawmakers to regulate the brightness and scale of LED advertising in public spaces, maintaining a balance between visibility for advertising purposes and the safety and rights of all people in Australia to enjoy our outdoor areas without excessive advertising, and protect the nearby natural environments in which we live.

It is vital to ensure that our cities are illuminated responsibly.

Sign this petition to support the reform of both indoor and outdoor LED display advertising.

 

Photo: LED Wrap-Around Billboard St Kilda

avatar of the starter
Future CustodiansPetition starterCreate the alternative • FutureCustodians.com • reddit.com/r/FutureCustodians • instagram.com/futurecustodians • twitter.com/FutureCustodian • meetup.com/en-AU/future-custodians

32

The issue

We don’t want to live like this.

 

 

It's so bright, you can see the reflection almost too well.

 

It's so bright, it's impossible to read - almost ineffective.

 

So bright, it hurts our eyes.

 

Distracting.

 

Overwhelmingly bright colours.

 

 

 

 

 

Too bright, too obtrusive.

 

 

 

LED advertising has changed the face of public places with vibrant, illuminated displays. 

However, these large, glowing ads have become overwhelming, especially when illuminating our streets at night, posing a risk to drivers and infringing on our right to inhabit public spaces without undue distraction.

This is Australia, we do not want to live surrounded by excessive advertising like New York, London or Tokyo. 

Please support us to bring attention to this growing problem.

The LED technology used has evolved to produce light that is far too intense for such large presentations.

Studies in the UK have shown accidental deaths due to excessively bright lights from vehicles, with over 216 reported accidents from bright LED lights. Just imagine what outdoor LED advertising is doing to cause distracted drivers.

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/government-investigates-headlight-safety-as-motorists-blame-blinding-leds-for-accidents

We bring attention to this correlation as LED advertisements may exacerbate similar risks.

Beyond this, excessive light pollution, augmented by these bright displays, adds to environmental degradation.

Some local councils are looking at ways to improve this after hours, but it’s not enough - even during daylight the effects are concerning. 

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/18/let-there-be-night-digital-billboards-to-be-turned-off-to-curb-light-pollution-under-melbourne-city-proposal

Regulations exist, but as more LED billboards are constructed, as seen above, they are dominant and larger screens result in more brightness overall, regulation can’t keep up with the advertiser’s briefs to marketing agencies - with more LED billboards now also showing fast moving videos and motion graphics.

https://www.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/DTP-Requirements-and-Guidelines-for-Illuminated-Outdoor-Advertising-Signage.pdf

We call upon lawmakers to regulate the brightness and scale of LED advertising in public spaces, maintaining a balance between visibility for advertising purposes and the safety and rights of all people in Australia to enjoy our outdoor areas without excessive advertising, and protect the nearby natural environments in which we live.

It is vital to ensure that our cities are illuminated responsibly.

Sign this petition to support the reform of both indoor and outdoor LED display advertising.

 

Photo: LED Wrap-Around Billboard St Kilda

avatar of the starter
Future CustodiansPetition starterCreate the alternative • FutureCustodians.com • reddit.com/r/FutureCustodians • instagram.com/futurecustodians • twitter.com/FutureCustodian • meetup.com/en-AU/future-custodians

The Decision Makers

Sarah Hanson-Young
Greens Senator for South Australia
Tanya Plibersek
Minister for the Environment and Water

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Petition created on 10 February 2025