A proposed ban on mobile billboards and showcases in Baltimore County failed to pass muster with lawmakers.
The bill before the Baltimore County Council failed Monday night despite amendments from bill sponsor Bryan McIntire, a north county Republican.
McIntire called the scrolling billboards affixed to trucks and trailers traffic hazards, but said he would be satisfied with smaller ads, or ones that change less frequently.
“There are a lot of distractions on the road,” McIntire said in an interview prior to the meeting. “Should we create more? I think not.”
No one seconded his motion for a vote, and the lawmaker withdrew the proposal.
Baltimore County’s Chamber of Commerce and local advertisers campaigned against the ban.
“Most small businesses can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars a month on large stationary bill boards, and this gives them the opportunity to get their message out at a price they can afford,” said Jeff Giordano, who owns a scrolling ad firm.
“Our goal is to help businesses who are off the beaten track get more exposure.”
The chamber also is lobbying against a bill introduced Monday by Council Chairman Kevin Kamenetz restricting signs that scroll, flash or blink.
Kamenetz’s bill would ban signs such as those at schools broadcasting upcoming events and signs advertising restaurants’ daily specials, according to the chamber.
The council will discuss the proposal at a meeting Oct. 28 and vote on it Nov. 3.
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