FEARS have been raised drivers could be distracted driving along the A30 if plans for an illuminated digital advertising sign are given the green light.

Hawkins Motors at Unit 1 A30 Business Park in Lodge Way, Indian Queens has submitted a planning application for advertisement consent for an externally mounted illuminated digital advertising screen.

The plans state the externally mounted illuminated digital advertising screen would be for the display of static commercial advertisements, including Hawkins Motor Group and “third-party commercial advertising,” with controlled luminance and image-change intervals.

Resident Gary Thrussell said: “I think the plans are terrible as the illuminated advertising sign could distract drivers and cause an accident.

“Motorists are not allowed to look at their mobile phone screens when they are driving their cars. So why should you be allowed to look at a massive screen as you are driving along?

“It would be the thin end of the wedge as they could start popping up everywhere.

“The nice thing about driving along the A30 is its dark. As you start driving out of the Westcountry and into London there a lot of these illuminated advertising signs.

“The last thing Cornwall needs is that. It is not what Cornwall is about. If they want Cornwall to look like Las Vegas then carry on.”

The fascia sign would be 7.8 metres high and 2.88 metres wide.

The plans state: “The existing digital LED advertising screen is already installed on the upper elevation of Unit 2 Hawkins Motor Service Centre at the A30 Business Park.

“The application seeks retrospective express advertisement consent for retention of the existing screen and its continued use for the display of static digital commercial advertisements.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“It would be a full-colour digital display comprising variable static commercial advertisement content. There would be no fixed text or background colour. It would be black when not in use.”