Pro-motorist group ticked off for “misleading” 20mph advert
A pro-motorist campaign group has been criticised for misleading comments during the debate over extending 20mph limits in Brighton and Hove.
The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that Unchain the Brighton Motorist breached rules in publishing adverts encouraging people to oppose the rolling out of restrictions.
The national watchdog added the group, which is made up of businesses and individuals across the city, did not provided any evidence to back up claims that widespread 20mph limits would damage the local economy while not improving road safety.
“Getting the ruling now is little like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.”
The advert appeared in a local newspaper last year when the council was consulting on whether to extend the restrictions to areas outside the city centre.
Speaking after the publishing of the decision today (February 19), Ian Davey, Brighton and Hove City Council’s lead member for transport, said: “I welcome this decision. We are working hard to address some very difficult issues in the city particularly around road safety.
“20mph speed limit areas are an important part of this work to reduce casualties and make our streets safer for everyone however they choose to travel.
“I welcome public debate as a vibrant part of democracy but it should be informed by fact.”
The decision was also backed by Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth (BHFOE), which was one of 15 groups to complain about the advert.
Chris Todd, of BHFOE, said: “It’s just unfortunate that this process has taken so long.
“This advert has already misled the public and influenced the response to a public consultation.
“Getting the ruling now is little like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.”
All 11 complaints were upheld with ASA ruling the advert must not appear again and the claims made by Unchain the Brighton motorist must not be repeated.
Unchain the Brighton Motorist did not provide a comment at the time of publication.
To read the full ASA statement, see here.
