This term, mentioned today during a phone interview for a story, was new to me. I had never heard, thought about or considered billboard pollution.
That's probably because I drive Route 30 and Interstate 83 most days and feel like it's just a given -- not good, not bad, just there.
Well, now that I've heard the term, I'm thinking and considering and you'll have to check back here on the blog tomorrow to find out more about the story I'm working on and why billboard pollution should be part of every York County resident's vocabulary.
Have you heard this term? What's your take on billboards?
Surely you've noticed the difference driving I83 in MD (lack of bb's) & driving I83 in PA (at least one every 20'!) If I recall, when parts or all of I83 was built in PA it was not with federal interstate highway funds. Therefore, PA could build it any way they wanted (on the cheap,) including disregarding the federal ban on billboards within so many feet of the highway. But that's only one of the zillion flaws in the highway thru PA, particularly the section between York and Harrisburg. My favorites are the short--nearly non-existing--acceleration and deceleration lanes, like at Market Street & north George Street. Talk about near-death experiences.
Aside from the billboards, where's the screening along PA's I83? Check out that scenery--as ugly as it can get, compared to MD--very pretty plantings of all sorts.
Thanks for the information Jo! I travel 83 between York and Harrisburg every weekday and you're right on!
Having moved here from New England, we are certainly aware of billboard pollution. It wasnt until we moved to York that we realized how ugly it is! I believe it was the 1980's when the New England states banned them.
Go north and you will see how pretty a ride on the highway can be.