AA CAMPAIGN SUCCESSES

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 15, 11 September 1984, Page 1

AA CAMPAIGN SUCCESSES

AA offices over much of the country are receiving old road signs which have been souvenired over the years. And some reports of stashed signs are coming in too, as the Association's big Signbreaker — Lawbreaker Campaign moves into its third week. AA reports strong support from members of the public, and from other authorities who have to deal with vandalism problems — from Police to local Councils. The Signbreaker Lawbreaker Campaign calls on

drivers to watch out for signs vandals, offering a reward of $200 to anyone providing information leading to the conviction of a signbreaker. An amnesty provides for return of stolen signs, no questions asked, before the Campaign ends on 28 September. The Campaign is timed to coincide with school holidays and ski season — both traditional times of signbreakage. However this year's late ski season may help reduce the problem — unless those who do head for

the fields ultimately spend more time in the hotels. AA's whose territories cover skifield roads report that sign damage seems to be down so far this year. AA heads say the response is typical once people realise that signbreakage is a costly, antisocial crime rather than just innocent skylarking. It is estimated $350,000 or more is wasted each year in New Zealand through wanton damage to road signs. The AA Campaign includes publicity and advertising to educate the public. In the AA Wanganui territory over a dozen signs have been returned to AA branch offices during the first week of the amnesty. Services Manager, Brian Smith, says the signs are in fair condition and obviously the result of souveniring.