Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan Policy 1.2 Avoid the display of outdoor advertising which may adversely affect traffic safety by causing confusion or distraction to, or obstructing the view, of motorists or pedestrians. Policy 1.3 Provide for signs on the same site as the particular activity, or use of land or buildings, to which they relate. Policy 1.4 Support the establishment of ‘welcome to’ signs and information laybys, at the entrances to the region and towns and at sites of natural, cultural or historical interest. Policy 1.5 Encourage the use of information laybys and kiosks. Signs and other forms of outdoor advertising are a necessary part of the community’s social and economic activities, but must be controlled to protect public health and safety, and to minimise their adverse effects on amenity values in the district. The policies recognise that signs need to be controlled although different environments within the Plan area have different levels of sensitivity to the potential adverse effects of signs. The potential adverse effects of outdoor advertising on traffic safety are of particular concern to the Council. The erection of signs on the site where an activity is undertaken is accepted as part of that activity. However, signs which are located off-site in order to attract customers to another site are discouraged. The Council will require an application to be made for the erection of off-site signs in order for the necessity and appropriateness of the proposed sign to be assessed. The establishment of information and laybys provide an important service to visitors and an opportunity for local businesses to notify their location and services. 21.4 Methods of Implementation Rules Rules to control the location, number, size and type of outdoor advertising and signs are included for all zones and are appropriate to the zone concerned. Control The Council will, as the authority responsible for all roads (other than state highways) exercise control over advertising on roads. Consultation The Council will consult with Transit New Zealand regarding the implementation of Transit New Zealand Bylaw 1987/ 3 restricting advertising signs on State Highways. Annual Plan Through the Annual Plan, as resources are available, support the establishment of information signs for towns and for sites of natural, cultural and historical interest. Education The Council will make people aware of restrictions on the erection of signs and educate them as to the need for such restrictions. The Council considers that rules controlling the erection of outdoor advertising and signs in the Wairau/Awatere area are the most effective method to avoid any potential adverse effects on traffic safety and visual amenity while recognising that particular 21 - 2