Billboard advertising trial for Perth freeways

• Electronic advertising billboard trial for Perth freeways

• Eight sites to be tested at selected locations on Kwinana and Mitchell freeways

• Revenue raised will fund road safety and traffic congestion projects

A trial of freeway advertising could start as early as next year with the State Government calling for proposals to build eight electronic billboards on Perth's freeway network. 

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the trial would involve billboards at eight carefully selected locations on the Kwinana and Mitchell freeways.

The Minister said Main Roads had used stringent selection criteria to choose the sites to ensure billboards were not placed at critical driver decision making points, such as interchanges or merging sections.

Advertising content would be strictly controlled by Main Roads, and any revenue raised will be reinvested back into Western Australian roads.

"The revenue raised from the advertising component of this project will be allocated to new traffic congestion and safety improvement programs that will benefit WA road users," Mr Buswell said.

"The community is calling for more traffic congestion measures and this project will provide additional funding towards managing the growing issue of congestion in the metropolitan area."

The Minister said Main Roads research showed that safety would not be compromised.

"Main Roads has reviewed road safety and distraction studies, including a recent Austroads report," he said.

"It also consulted other State road authorities, which already operate similar commercial advertising activities.

"They determined that with appropriate placement and stringent control of the content of the advertising signs, advertising in road reserves will not cause driver distraction."

Mr Buswell said the request for proposals called for suitably qualified and experienced companies to design, construct, install and operate the billboards at the eight pre-selected freeway sites.

The trial proposes an initial two-year term with the option of an additional five-year extension.  Subject to the successful tenderer receiving all necessary approvals installation, the signage is expected to be installed by mid-2014.

      Fact File

• Requests for Proposals for the 'Provision of Roadside Advertising Services' is available on TendersWA

• The signs will be placed at eight appropriate locations along the freeway reserve

• The exact amount of revenue that will be derived will not be known until the requests for proposals are received, assessed and negotiated by Main Roads 

• State Road Authorities in NSW & QLD operate similar commercial advertising activities

Minister's office - 6552 6400