From Bristol 247 Two main roads in Bristol city centre could become test areas for controversial digital advertising billboards after the council’s cabinet gave approval for the move, which could generate several million pounds for city over the next few years.
Temple Way underpass and Bond Street near Cabot Circus have been chosen by French outdoor advertising giant JC Decaux for the pilot scheme. 
Opponents of the large roadside advertising hoardings include Bristol Civic Society and the Green Party while Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson has said he is not “a fan” of such schemes – although he admitted the income they would generate would help the city at a time when austerity cuts will get ever tighter.
In a statement, the Civic Society said it was “shocked and dismayed” by the plans. Representative John Payne said: “We ask Bristol not to emulate London where there is a gaudy array of these signs.”
Green councillor Daniella Radice, a cabinet member, has repeated her commitment to remove all street advertising in the city – a platform of hers when she ran for mayor in 2012.
She said: “Adverts for consumer goods have a negative effect on people’s lives. As a council, we should not be profiting from this. I lament the loss of public space driven by the austerity agenda that this represents.”
Mayor George Ferguson said he was not a fan of advertising and would not be “splattering the city” with it. But added: “This is good for Bristol at a time when we are at desperate need to find additional forms of revenue.”
Pictured: Cromwell Road in London by JC Decaux
