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Mobile billboard irritates SLC residents

Posted at 9:54 PM, Apr 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-11 23:54:45-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- A new form of advertising is backfiring in Salt Lake City.

Over the past few weeks a large, bright, neon green, billboard on wheels, advertising for Century Link, has been cruising through neighborhoods. Residents say it's distracting, dangerous and annoying.

"As it drives by the whole house illuminates and to me when I see lights that bright it means emergency or warning," said Melissa Ramos.

Others call it a hazard.

"My first concern was it was a safety violation against cars driving," said Anthony Schepcoff.

It's not a one-time thing. Residents on 1700 South say the Century Link truck has circled past their homes multiple times, on different nights.

It certainly got the attention of City Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall.

"Quite frankly the first time I saw it I was like what on earth is that," Mendenhall said. "By the next morning I was getting emails from constituents about their experience and offense they have taken to the truck."

Salt Lake City says no laws are being broken.

"This is a relatively new phenomenon that our ordinance doesn't really address at all," said Mike Reberg, Director of Community and Economic Development.

The city did reach out to Century Link on Monday to talk about the truck. They released this statement to FOX 13 News.

"As a customer-focused company Century Link recognizes that the bright lights may be distracting and has chosen to suspend the campaign at night."

Residents say unplugging this big green box is the company’s best advertising strategy yet.

"I don't look at that and go sweet I'm going to sign up with that company it's awesome, the first thing I think about is I don't want whatever they have," Ramos said.

Mendenhall said the city is historically strict about billboards in residential neighborhoods and said Century Link found a loophole in the system.

Mendenhall added the city council may have to consider closing the loop so this sort of thing doesn't happen again.