Rep. Adolph To Introduce Legislation To Help Prevent Installation Of Billboards

Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) recently announced he would introduce two legislative proposals designed to deter the installation of billboards in communities across Pennsylvania.

The first bill would prohibit the placement of billboards within 500 feet of an existing school, public playground, public park, residential housing area, child care facility, church or meetinghouse, or a designated state highway.

“Motorists taking their eyes off the road to view billboards in these areas create a safety hazard to pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers on the road,” said Rep. Adolph. “Especially along Baltimore Pike and West Chester Pike, the proliferation of billboards has become not only an eyesore, but a real concern for pedestrians trying to cross these congested roadways. My legislation will help restrict distracting signage in these areas.”

The second bill would increase annual fees on billboards paid to the state.

“Billboards have become a commonplace part of the scenery along Pennsylvania roadways, much to the displeasure of local residents,” said Rep. Adolph. “My legislation would increase annual fees to deter the erection of billboards and raise more funding to help beautify the area surrounding these structures.”

Rep. Adolph said, currently, the annual fees on billboards range from $10 to $30 and have not been increased for many years. This money is used for the Highway Beautification Fund to protect and improve the environment along state highways.

Rep. Adolph said he is hopeful that the increased fees will assist those communities that already have stringent sign ordinances in place to make erecting a billboard even more undesirable.