Vsetín wants to remove visual smog, is preparing a manual on advertising elements

Vsetín – The city of Vsetín wants to eliminate so-called visual smog. It is preparing a new graphic manual with rules for advertising elements, the city hall spokeswoman Jana Raszková told ČTK today. The document will be mandatory for city buildings and organizations. For local businesses and entrepreneurs, it will serve as a recommended set of principles.

"We want to prevent aggressive and tasteless advertising from overwhelming Vsetín," said Deputy Mayor Petr Kudlík (ANO). "That is why we are currently working on a visual smog manual that will recommend ideal ways of outdoor advertising so that it does not overwhelm public space," he added.

The city, home to approximately 25,000 people, conducted a survey on delivery boxes and later held a public walk regarding advertising or delivery boxes in public spaces. A total of 471 respondents participated in the survey about delivery boxes. Most use the boxes, and 38 percent of respondents reported that they are bothered by the appearance and design of the boxes.

The most complaints were directed towards the location in Rokytnice near Rotunda, Smetanova Street near Jednota, and near Hotel Vsacan, where people are disturbed by the disruptive placement of boxes close to sales kiosks.

"In general, citizens also complained about the inconsistency of colors and sizes," said the spokeswoman, noting that people praised dark green boxes that blend in with the surroundings. "There was a clear wish for the colors of the boxes to adapt as much as possible to the given environment," the spokeswoman added. The results of the survey will serve the city as a basis for negotiations with delivery box operators and for establishing rules regarding their future placement in Vsetín.

Vsetín focuses on motivation and prevention. "For example, we have newly added a condition to our grant program for the renovation of buildings that recipients of the grant cannot install any information panels, advertising signs, or banners on the facade of the property for five years after the project is completed," said the Deputy Mayor.