The City of Sydney announced an external review of new QMS Media street furniture after complaints that advertising screens on footpaths were significantly impacting pedestrian movement.
Hazardous for pedestrians? This street sign would appear so (photo: Twitter/@TemptressTeacup)
“The City of Sydney will work with QMS Media to respond to recommendations from an external review of the city's advertising screens,” said a statement on the council website.
“We understand some members of the community have expressed concerns about the location of some of the pieces of street furniture, in particular the placement of some of the advertising screens.
“Following this feedback, we have committed to carry out an external review of the advertising screens. This will identify those which negatively impact public spaces and pedestrian amenity.
“We will then work with QMS to respond to the recommendations of the review. While our contract with QMS provides significant value to the city – both in terms of attractive, well-maintained street furniture and income – we must ensure the balance is right.”
Residents have described some of the new QMS screens as “hazardously big,” and occupying “way too much precious foot traffic space especially when I am forced to walk around one so close to the incoming buses and taxis.”
Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore said last month: “While our contract with QMS provides significant value to the city – both in terms of attractive, well-maintained street furniture and income – it is clear the balance isn't right.”
In 2020, the City of Sydney’s 20-year street furniture contract with JCDecaux expired. At that time, the council unanimously agreed to award QMS Media a 10-year contract to completely renew the street furniture and “secure important income to help fund City of Sydney services and facilities.”
The council said another 52 advertising panels and 30 bus shelters were yet to be installed in the local government area under its deal with QMS - the largest outdoor advertising contract in Australia.
QMS Media, owned by private equity firm Quadrant, has yet to comment.
