At Mayor's Question Time in November, Caroline Pidgeon pressed the Mayor around concerns about the safety and environmental impact of TfL's large intrusive advertising panel at Chiswick roundabout:
Caroline Pidgeon:Are you satisfied that TfL’s new advertising panel on Chiswick roundabout on the elevated section by the M4, will not cause an adverse distraction and safety risk for drivers changing lanes to use the Junction Two exit from the M2?
Boris Johnson:TfL does not consider the proposed advertising panels to be a safety risk to drivers. The planning application was submitted to the local planning authority on 11 October 2011.
Caroline Pidgeon:What assurances can be provided that TfL’s new advertising on Chiswick roundabout will not create excessive light pollution and adversely impact the conservation area to the east of the roundabout?
Boris Johnson:The proposed advertising displays have been designed to minimise the impact on the environment. Sensors within the displays will monitor ambient light levels and the level of illumination will be adjusted automatically to ensure that the displays are illuminated to the minimum required to light the display without causing light spill. The proposed supporting structures have also been designed to have a minimal negative impact on the roundabout itself and the local environment, including the nearby Conservation Area.
Mona Naqvi, Secretary of Brentford & Isleworth Liberal Democrats, commented: "These responses demonstrate just how little understanding Boris Johnson, and his Conservative advisers, have of how residents are concerned about this monstrosity on all sides of Chiswick roundabout."