by Alan Smith
ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk

Maidstone council is looking at new electronic signs for the town centre to boost tourism and the local economy.

The cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Greer, is considering three sites for the new Wayfarer signs - a generation on from the display boards currently in use in the town.

Cllr Greer said: “The signs can show a selection of messages which we could use to let people know what’s going on, not just in the town centre, but also in the villages throughout the borough.”

The signs might give information on displays at the museum, shows at The Hazlitt, events in Jubilee Square or even farmers’ markets or fetes in the villages.The likely locations are Jubilee Square, Fremlin Walk and Week Street, near Maidstone East Station.

Cllr Greer suggested the borough might even be able to sell advertising messages on the boards.

He said: “Research suggests the message only needs to be displayed for 15 seconds to register. It is incumbent upon every prudent council to be always looking for ways that it might increase its income.

“The council is already looking to install advertising hoardings where appropriate and this is just an extension of that.”

The borough is looking to agree a new contract with an advertisement company that might include the cost of the signs as part of the package.

But a warning has come from the Institute of Advanced Motorists that the council must consider the safety aspect if any boards are erected by roadsides.

The IAM’s director of policy and research, Neil Greig, said: “There is little concrete evidence either way on the distraction element of roadside advertising.

“The accident record around these signs should be very carefully monitored after installation to make sure there are no negative impacts.”