Most agree that billboards are a frequent nuisance in daily life. However, there is not much done to combat it. Obstruse and often illegal outdoor signage has become such commonplace that it has normalized itself in our daily lives. However, one community has finally said enough. 

Cancún, Mexico has removed 48 billboards from the city through a recent clean-up campaign enforced by the municipal administration. These removals target illegal signage with the aim of improving the city’s scenic beauty. The municipal’s goal is to remove every billboard that does not comply with existing permits.  

Illegal outdoor advertising is a problem that is frequently overlooked. Although offenders are often fined for their infractions, not much else is done to stop them. This becomes an issue where companies become large enough to pay the fine without repercussion. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, thousands in fines are not enough to ward advertisers away from wrapping buildings in large, bright digital signage. Tourist events like Comic-Con only further the problem.  

Cancún is a major tourist destination in Mexico. The city sees millions of international visitors each year, making outdoor advertising lucrative for brands. Fortunately, tourists are beginning to want to see Cancún’s visual identity without the blight. The dazzling blue ocean and dense forestry are beautiful without distracting advertisements. 

Efforts like these enforce the focus Cancún has on the needs of its residents and visitors. The removed 48 billboards were in neighborhoods, a hotel area, and the Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio, a metropolitan open space. This signage was structurally deteriorating as well as illegal. The added safety risk posed on civilians was enough for Cancún to act on the blight polluting the city. 

The outdoor clean-up campaign is still ongoing. Cancún officials state there are plans for further developments in removing distracting and dangerous signage. They urge advertisers to work with the Urban Image department to enforce their images to reflect the city’s overall visual identity. Although outdoor advertising may be normalized, it should not overwhelm the community’s identity.  

Scenic America applauds the city of Cancún for its decision to advocate for scenic beauty and remove scenic blight. We will always support the efforts of cities to maintain their identity over the interests of large commercial interests. Join us in ending scenic blight and revealing the intrinsic beauty of all communities.