While travelling from Suva to Nausori last week, I noticed several newly erected digital billboards.
I was initially proud to see them as a symbol of progression in the country, transitioning from the traditional pin-up billboards.
However, I noticed that the boards were excessively bright and low in height.
Additionally, most of these boards are placed along critical intersections or pedestrian crossings, like the one at the intersection of Jerusalem Rd and Rifle Range.
The glare from these bright screens, especially at night, can momentarily impair vision and increase the risks of accidents.
The height of the billboards can obstruct sightlines as they are considerably low and often directly in line with the driver’s line of sight, further worsening the potential for dangerous distractions.
While I am no expert, I think it is important for local authorities to implement strict guidelines and regulations on the level of brightness of these screens, ensuring that they are adjusted to ambient light conditions.
Additionally, ensuring strategic placements of billboards to help maintain clear sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, minimising distractions.
Regular monitoring and enforcement of these regulations by the authority will be essential to ensure compliance, and of course public safety.
Adopting similar standards could mitigate the risks associated with these billboards, ensuring that they serve their purpose without compromising public safety.
As a firm believer in being proactive rather than reactive, let us not wait for a problem to happen and then find solutions.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj