SC-appointed panel against ads on mobile vans, rooftops

NEW DELHI: The hopes of advertisers and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to earn revenue through advertising displays mounted on mobile vans as well rooftops of buildings here have suffered a setback with a Supreme Court-appointed committee disfavouring the move.

"It is fallacious to argue that mobile vehicles deployed for the sole purpose of advertisements can be equated with public utility and intermediate public transport vehicles," said the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority for the National Capital Region in its report.

The apex court is hearing a petition on MCD's outdoor advertising policy and had directed the EPCA in April to take into consideration views of all parties, including the MCD and the NDMC, before submitting its report.

The civic body had sought permission for advertisements on private vehicles to be stationed at select locations as allowed on other mobile vehicles like buses or taxis.

However, noting that the such vehicles are parked in different parts of the city and create traffic hurdles as pointed out by the traffic police, the EPCA outrightly rejected the MCD request.

Other cities have also voiced their concerns regarding these vehicles, the committee said.

The Delhi police had said vehicular-mounted advertising devices may not be permitted on delivery and service vehicles, except on the rear side of a bus.