Will Removal of Billboards Make L.A. Streets Safer or More Dangerous?

A recent court order demanding the removal of 100 digital signs across L.A. was seen as a victory for those who had complained about the bright, and potentially distracting, billboards. But a sign company is arguing the order will harm public safety.

2 minute read

December 22, 2012, 11:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Unhappy with a recent appellate court ruling which ordered the removal of 100 controversial digital billboards across Los Angeles, executives with Clear Channel Outdoor (owner of 79 of the signs) is arguing to city officials that, "the digital billboards provide vital public safety messages," reports Dakota Smith. "Attorney Sara Lee Keller sent officials a brief report detailing how Clear Channel Outdoor flashed public information messages during the San Diego (405) Freeway weekend closure in September, and the company's role in providing Amber Alerts.

"As this (report) makes clear for all to see, turning off the digital signs would not only impact Clear Channel Outdoor, it would have serious consequences for public safety," Keller wrote.

The ruling, and letter, is just the latest incident in the long debate over how to regulate digital signs in the city. "The ruling centers around a 2006 agreement between the City Council and then-City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, who forged a deal with the two sign companies in a closed-session meeting," noted Smith in an article on the appellate court decision. "The deal came despite a city ban on converting existing signs to digital billboards."

"Earlier this year, Councilmen Ed Reyes and Paul Krekorian introduced a motion, written by a Clear Channel lobbyist, asking the city to explore crafting new digital sign laws, and study how the signs could provide public benefits."

Monday, December 17, 2012 in Los Angeles Daily News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today