The power of advertising has made itself felt in several ways, with billboards and
custom street banners taking up space in city thoroughfares and airspace. In different cities worldwide, reactions of civic organizations and governing bodies have been different to the glut of advertising. While there are different existing laws that are in place, these vary from city to city
Most cities have regulations regarding the display of custom street banners, and they usually limit the size, areas of display, and length of time that the banners are hung. Governments usually earn revenue in the form of the permit fees. Some cities, such as San Francisco, prohibit advertising for businesses and products. Los Angeles, however, is looking into generating additional city revenue by allowing advertising on street banners, with ad space not taking up more than 20% of the banners area.
In Moscow, the city government has implemented a ban on street banners, and has even set aside a budget to compensate advertisers when the ban goes active. Moscow’s custom street banners are scheduled to come down in August, and this means lost revenue and lost jobs for the industry. In Harpenden, England, the custom street banners were taken down after fears of structural integrity of fixtures were raised.
Street banners are a powerful advertising tool, as the miles of roads and streets, especially in downtown and heavily trafficked areas, are solid opportunities in exposure. While legislation may exist for several cities, some areas have little or no impetus to regulate the custom street banner placing and advertising.
As with all things, balance needs to be struck to ensure that a city’s revenue needs and the opportunities for business to advertise are met. Also to be factored into the mix, are the civic groups and constituent sentiments as to how
custom street banners are perceived. Cities will have to decide based on these different factors on how to get that compromise.
Labels: custom banners, custom flag, custom printed flag, custom street banners, customized flag, street banners
by:
The Flagman
