Egypt's Billboard Boom: Profits vs. Driver Safety on New Roads

The Rise of Billboards in Egypt

• 📈 Since 2019, the number of billboards in Egypt has dramatically increased from 2,500 to 6,300.
• 💰 This expansion is driven by the need to generate revenue for the maintenance of the country's newly built roads.

Financial Impact of Advertising

• 💸 Revenue from out-of-home advertising, including billboards, doubled last year to $130 million.
• 🛣️ These advertising revenues, alongside toll stations, are crucial sources of income to cover road maintenance costs.

Driver Distraction and Safety Concerns

• ⚠️ Drivers, like Ahmed Adel in Cairo, report straining to see the road due to bright LED billboard lights, especially at night.
• 🚦 The intensity of the ads forces drivers to look away or close their eyes, creating a significant distraction and safety hazard.

Urban Identity and Regulation

• 🏙️ While billboards can give a city a certain identity, they are criticized for not being human-centric.
• 🏛️ The Prime Minister has acknowledged these concerns and called for more regulation to improve aesthetic values and address safety issues.