In what is described as a ‘significant move’ to curb light pollution, Melbourne City Council is considering a proposal to turn off large digital billboards at night.
The aim they say is to mitigate ‘adverse health and environmental impacts associated with light pollution’. No surprise perhaps then that the council is led by Greens Councillor Rohan Leppert who is qouted as saying that he has been prompted by growing research indicating the negative effects of light pollution on human sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.
The proposal emerged from a council-commissioned review which suggests introducing a curfew for illuminated signs situated above ground level. The review identifies three distinct signage areas within the city: the capital city zone, which includes the central business district; Docklands along with commercial and industrial areas; and mixed-use residential zones. Under the proposed guidelines, illuminated signs in these areas would face blackout periods from midnight to sunrise Monday through Thursday, and from 1 AM to sunrise on other days.
No doubt the Australian Outdoor Media Association will react.
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