New giant ad boards for M6 despite safety concerns
New giant advertising boards will be built next to the M6 despite concerns they are a distraction and could cause accidents.
Walsall Council has granted consent for the 50ft illuminated signs between junctions nine at Wednesbury and 10 at Walsall.
The Highways Agency and Sandwell Council had both objected to the double-sided hoarding on land near Gallagher Retail Park.
There are already signs on the route including one outside the Banks's Stadium and objectors said the M6 stretch is a common hotspot for shunts.
It was claimed the new replacement advert which would go between Ikea and the Chestnut Tree pub, would be too prominent overlooking the M6 route which carries about 160,000 motorists a day.
But planning chief councillor Garry Perry said: "We have taken on board there concerns. It is always that congested in that area I don't think it is going to have any impact.
"I don't think you could attribute the signage to any accident on there. Unless they can come forward and say I was looking at that sign."
Wednesbury councillor Elaine Costigan said she was disappointed with the decision as such signs were not wanted in the area.
"I don't like these hoardings on the motorway because I think they are a distraction," she said.
The Highways Agency said it would be close to a gantry at junction nine and there is already a poor safety record with collisions above the national average.
Sandwell Council also objected and in a statement submitted to planning officers in Walsall they stated: "The substantial illuminated sign would appear as an unduly prominent structure, isolated and unrelated to its surroundings.
"We are also concerned it would adversely affect the amenities of some residents who may have long range views of the structure and when illuminated the sign would be highly visible as it would be viewed against a relatively dark motorway background."
The application was put forward by JJ Gallagher Ltd and the sign will join a series of others alongside the M6, including the one outside Walsall Football Club.
When it was made digital last year there were a flurry of complaints from residents.
