asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they will take to enforce the law in regard to unauthorised commercial advertisements abutting motorways, in the light of research on the risk of distraction of drivers. [HL3451]

Reports of new unauthorised advertisements beside motorways are sent by the Highways Agency to local planning authorities, which have the responsibility for enforcement against unlawful outdoor advertisements. The Government have, however, provided local planning authorities with a database which, since March 2007, enables them to share information on prosecutions and convictions for unauthorised advertisements and fly-posting.