Germany’s newly approved directive to turn off outdoor advertising at night to save energy might end up costing more than leaving the illumination on, Die Welt newspaper reported on Saturday, citing the German Association for Out of Home Advertising (FAW).
Under the new rules, set out by Economics Minister Robert Habeck, illuminated billboards and neon signs across Germany have to be switched off at night and for most of the day (between 10 pm and 4 pm) starting from September 1.
However, FAW managing director Kai-Marcus Thäsler told Die Welt that the measure will be difficult to implement.
“By far the largest part of the systems affected are advertising signs that have so far been equipped with an automatic twilight function. This twilight control must now be replaced by an electrician with a timer on each individual sign,” he said.
Thäsler explained that his organisation lacks the funds, materials and skilled workers to quickly carry out the work, and that the lighting in outdoor advertising systems is a heat source which prevents the display panels from fogging up and freezing over.