Electronic signs red carded by NZTA

Installing flash electronic signs at the three main entry points into Rotorua has been given the thumbs down by the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Rotorua District councillors received a report regarding electronic signage from Events and Venues general manager Peter McLeod at a meeting of the council's economic and regulatory services committee yesterday.

Councillors asked Mr McLeod to investigate the possibility of installing electronic variable message signage after a request from the council's tourism committee chairman Tony Marks during the council's Ten Year Plan submission process.

The purpose of the signs would be to let people know what was happening in Rotorua, advertise road closures, or other activities happening in the city.

However, Mr McLeod said the transport agency's policy did not allow for such signage on state highways.

"This policy restricts the use of variable message signs for anything other than road safety requirements."

Mr McLeod said there was billboard signage at each of the three entrances to the city which event promoters could apply for free of charge.

"The event promotor covers the cost of the signage as well as the placement and removal of the skin, although no rental is charged."

Councillors asked Mr McLeod to come back to them in the new year with any other options to install event signage around the city.

"A detailed report is due back in March next year."

Mr McLeod said other signage options would be investigated along with the full costs involved and possible locations.