Advertisements have re-appeared on traffic signal poles at major intersections in Coimbatore city, raising concern among road safety advocates.

The practice, in which traffic signals were maintained by advertising agencies that displayed commercial advertisements on them compromising road safety, was stopped in 2017 after a Madras High Court order directing the government to remove such advertisements.

“When approaching a junction, drivers must focus on the lights and pedestrian movement. These oversized hoardings, positioned close to the signals, divert attention. Even a glance lasting three to five seconds means travelling several metres without observing the road — a risk at busy junctions. Hung on poles, they also pose a risk of falling in heavy winds or rain,” said M. Adhithiyan, a commuter who regularly uses Mettupalayam Road, where new displays have been installed near Chinthamani junction.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S. Ashok Kumar said blinker lights were installed recently at the Red Cross and Chinthamani junctions, and the NGOs maintaining them had placed sponsor boards. “These are not revenue-based hoardings but sponsor displays. The dimensions of the boards will be examined to verify compliance with permissible limits,” he said.

K. Kathirmathiyon, member of the District Road Safety Committee, said the nature of the display — whether advertisement or sponsorship — is immaterial. “They distract road users. All such hoardings at traffic signals in Coimbatore were removed following a 2017 Madras High Court order. Any sponsor acknowledgement should comply with the size and conditions set by the District Collector,” he said.

He added that the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had also recently directed the State government to remove illegal and hazardous hoardings, arches, banners and flex boards from public spaces. Despite such directives, large sponsor displays have reappeared at Race Course, Chinthamani junction, Oppanakara Street, Avarampalayam junction, and Perur Road. The matter, discussed in successive Road Safety Committee meetings, may now require a contempt petition to ensure enforcement.