DoT Copycat campaign

I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

They're running a radio ad around here that lists things you shouldn't
do in case your child copies you and listing not wearing a cycle helmet
between not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
Since both those are illegal, it could easily give the impression that
not wearing a helmet is also illegal, so I've complained that the ad is
misleading.

It seems to me like a way of bringing in compulsory cycle helmets via
the back door and makes me very cross indeed.


--
Carol
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put
that thing in your mouth. Particularly if the thing is
cats." - Lemony Snicket _The Wide Window_

Carol Hague wrote:
I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

They're running a radio ad around here that lists things you shouldn't
do in case your child copies you and listing not wearing a cycle helmet
between not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
Since both those are illegal, it could easily give the impression that
not wearing a helmet is also illegal, so I've complained that the ad is
misleading.

It seems to me like a way of bringing in compulsory cycle helmets via
the back door and makes me very cross indeed.

Well spotted.

--
Brian G
www.wetwo.co.uk

"Carol Hague" wrote in message
...
I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

They're running a radio ad around here that lists things you shouldn't
do in case your child copies you and listing not wearing a cycle helmet
between not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
Since both those are illegal, it could easily give the impression that
not wearing a helmet is also illegal, so I've complained that the ad is
misleading.

It seems to me like a way of bringing in compulsory cycle helmets via
the back door and makes me very cross indeed.

Thanks Carol, I heard this on my local station and noted how misleading and
inaccurate it was, but I'd forgotten to do anything about it by the time I
got home. Can you complain to the ASA online?

burtthebike wrote:

Can you complain to the ASA online?

Yes.

On Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:42:28 +0000 someone who may be
(Carol Hague) wrote this:-

I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

The latter are useless in my experience, simply the PR arm of
government departments. However, it's still worth a try.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

burtthebike wrote:

"Carol Hague" wrote in message
...
I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

Thanks Carol, I heard this on my local station and noted how misleading and
inaccurate it was, but I'd forgotten to do anything about it by the time I
got home. Can you complain to the ASA online?

You can indeed. There's a link on their How To Complain page to a form
you can fill in :- http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/how_to_complain/

Sorry for the slow reply, the ISP's been playing silly beggars.


--
Carol
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put
that thing in your mouth. Particularly if the thing is
cats." - Lemony Snicket _The Wide Window_

David Hansen wrote:

On Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:42:28 +0000 someone who may be
(Carol Hague) wrote this:-

I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

The latter are useless in my experience, simply the PR arm of
government departments. However, it's still worth a try.

I don't know if they'll do anything, but if no-one complains they
*definitely* won't. :-)

--
Carol
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put
that thing in your mouth. Particularly if the thing is
cats." - Lemony Snicket _The Wide Window_

On Nov 19, 5:42 pm, (Carol Hague) wrote:
I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

They're running a radio ad around here that lists things you shouldn't
do in case your child copies you and listing not wearing a cycle helmet
between not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
Since both those are illegal, it could easily give the impression that
not wearing a helmet is also illegal, so I've complained that the ad is
misleading.

Did they include driving 100m to the corner shop instead of walking /
cycling?

...d

David Martin wrote:

On Nov 19, 5:42 pm, (Carol Hague) wrote:
I've just reported the Department of Transport to the Advertising
Standards Agency.

They're running a radio ad around here that lists things you shouldn't
do in case your child copies you

Did they include driving 100m to the corner shop instead of walking /
cycling?

I suspect you will not be overly surprised to learn that they did no
such thing.

--
Carol
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put
that thing in your mouth. Particularly if the thing is
cats." - Lemony Snicket _The Wide Window_

David Martin said the following on 21/11/2007 09:30:

Did they include driving 100m to the corner shop instead of walking /
cycling?

I always thought that was one of these urban myths - I mean, people
wouldn't really do that, would they?

Well, yes they do!!! Anything less than a mile and I don't even bother
getting the bike out, never mind the car!

--
Paul Boyd
http://www.paul-boyd.co.uk/