A VAN with a cheeky advertising slogan has become familiar to millions of road users on the M5 - but is it being used to hide speed cameras?
The Volkswagen flatbed belonging to Beast Sheds has spent months parked on the A44 Spetchley bridge over the southbound side out of Worcester.
A timber structure on the van bears a message reading: “Free erection all over the UK.”
The front bonnet also has a double-entendre, reading : “Free delivery, free erection!”
Located just before Junction 7 – one of the busiest routes out of the city – the van has been in place so long it has even drawn speculation that it has been used in a police speed trap.
So what is the story behind the guerrilla advert?
What are the rumours?
Drivers said earlier this year that the police were using the van to screen off a camera trap on the other side of the A44 bridge.
In a Facebook group dedicated to speed camera locations, one wrote: ”Opposite side of where that shed van is, is usually a police van, I see it nearly every day when I go over the bridge.”
Another replied: “They’ve been there very frequently since the shed appeared, hiding behind the shed to get people as they pass the bridge.
“Sneaky really.”
READ MORE: Speeding up 40% as new cameras rolled out in Worcestershire
The posts in February led to discussion as to why the police would need a van on a stretch of the M5 well covered by various types of cameras.
Another user said: “Yep, it’s up there about once a week to every 10 days.
“I use the M5 daily and I’m certainly sticking to 70mph.”
However, there was no police camera van present on the bridge at the weekend and there’s been no official confirmation of a presence at the location.
West Mercia Police said it was 'just rumours' and passed our enquiry to the local authority.
Who are Beast Sheds?
The family-run company was established more than 15 years ago and says on its website that it is “committed to manufacturing high-quality wooden sheds.”
Beast Sheds also state that “all of our timber buildings are hand-crafted in our workshops”, allowing for customisation.
The company, which is based on Station Road, in Coleshill, Birmingham, offers free fitting and delivery “to most of the UK” and promises no hidden charges.
What are the rules?
Planning rules state that adverts on parked-up vehicles or trailers “require express consent.”
Moving vehicles that are not trying to sell something are not covered.
According to government advice: “As there are road safety issues in displaying advertisements alongside motorways and other trunk roads, the relevant highway authority must be consulted on certain applications for express consent
“The highway authority is unlikely to support any application for an advertisement which could distract drivers."
The highway authority has the legal power to remove unlawful advertisements.
The Beast Sheds van has been parked up on the kerb for months, but it is not clear if the owners have obtained consent.
The company did not reply to a request for comment.
Worcestershire County Council has been contacted for comment.
What do you think about this type of motorway advertising? Is it fair promotion by savvy companies or a distraction to drivers and a safety issue?
Let us know in the comments.
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