Billboard polluters cry foul to government

The predictable cries of outrage from the people who pollute Panama’s streets and highways with billboards have been directed at the Ministry of Public Works.

On Thursday,(December 13) advertising companies claimed the Ministry was acting unfairly toward them in establishing new rules for outdoor advertising.

According to advertising organization Uppex, the ministry is creating unfair regulations in a draft law submitted to the National Assembly.

The law prohibits the placement of billboards in public easements, such as along sidewalks and roads.
 Minister of Public Works Federico Suárez said placing billboards in these areas is dangerous for motorists and pedestrians and the contents of the law were open for public consultations eight months ago and were agreed to by all parties.
Advertising officials claim the ministry is trying to control where billboards can be placed, and which companies are allowed to place them.

Local citizens have protested about the proliferation of billboards and electronic signs on city streets with special attention devoted to  what is known as "the searchlight" on Avenida Balboa over the Extreme Planet movie theater. {jathumbnail off}