By Associated Press
Mobile, AL – The Mobile City Council has rejected a proposed 120-day moratorium on new electronic billboards. The moratorium was meant to prevent new billboards while the council's Public Safety Committee considers if they pose a distraction to drivers and need regulations.
The council voted 4-3 in favor of the moratorium Tuesday, but the measure needed five votes to pass.
Connie Hudson, who proposed the moratorium, said she's concerned about the aesthetics of multiple billboards near each other and the possibility that they could distract drivers.
Councilman Fred Richardson, who voted against the moratorium, disputed the possibility that the billboards would distract drivers. He said drivers are already distracted by electronic gadgets, food and drinks, none of which are regulated.
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