Bright ads restricted to reduce light pollution

The public is being asked to comment on a new draft in Shanghai that aims to regulate how portable and lighted advertisements should be used outdoors - to minimize light pollution to residential areas.

The proposal seeks to restrict the size of such screens or billboards on boats to no more than 80 percent of the length of the deck, while boards on buses need to remain below the top end of the driver's horizontal line of sight. It also prohibits such ads from using audio enhancements in residential neighborhoods and school areas and makes them subject to routine inspections by authorities.

Light pollution from the ads has since prompted authorities to regulate the activity, but no further details on the pollution levels were available Tuesday from the bureau in charge of the initiative, the city's appearance and environmental sanitation administration.

Those interested in providing feedback can contact the bureau through its website at lhsr.sh.gov.cn.