Large Electronic Freeway Signs Coming to Carlsbad

Carlsbad has lifted its ban on electronic freeway signs to allow Car Country Carlsbad and Westfield Carlsbad to draw more attention to themselves, reports the UT San Diego.

The signs had be banned due to concerns they would "cheapen the city’s image," wrote the UT, adding, "The Carlsbad Planning Commission has rejected the proposed digital signs twice in the past year, calling them ugly and worrying they might cause crashes by distracting drivers."

Large signs will now only be allowed at Car Country Carlsbad and at Westfield Plaza Camino Real in Carlsbad. 

Signs probably won't appear until mid to late next year. 

Auto dealers from Car Country Carlsbad asked the city to allow them to have a 64-foot-tall freeway sign to gain more exposure. 

"They estimated a large, electronic sign would boost business 12 percent at the auto mall’s 24 dealerships, increasing the number of cars sold each year from about 30,000 to 33,600. That would boost sales tax from cars, which is about $6 million per year, by $720,000," said the UT.

To read the full report go to: utsandiego.com/news/2013/nov/10/carlsbad-digital-screens-car-country-westfield/

What do you think about digital freeway signs in Carlsbad? Tell us in the comments section. Should other businesses be allowed to have them too?