A new advertising campaign aims to shame drivers who park their cars in bus stops, getting in the way of buses and their passengers.
The cheeky adverts aim to embarrass people who don’t think twice about the inconvenience caused when blocking busy stops.
Using slogans such as “Parking in bus stops is like dad dancing – it’s just wrong,” the campaign will appear on bus shelters and buses themselves, in city centre car parks and radio commercials.
The campaign is being run jointly by Nexus, local councils and bus companies, funded through the Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plan.
It has been designed by Newcastle agency Smith Creative and will be backed by radio advertising in the Tyne and Wear area during January and February.
Andy Bairstow, Nexus Communications Director, said: “People who park in bus stops are a nuisance for a number of reasons – they can make it harder and more dangerous for people to get on and off buses, and cause delays.
“This is a selfish, annoying habit and we think the advertising campaign sets the right tone in pointing that out. It raises awareness with drivers that while not the most terrible crime, it is just wrong.”
Martin Harris, Commercial Director with Go North East said, “Our buses are designed with low floors which drop to the level of the footpath at bus stops, making it easier and safer for people with disabilities or with children in buggies particularly, to get on and off the bus.
“People who park at bus stops really need to stop and think about the consequences of their actions.”
Smith Creative has long experience of working on behavioural change projects throughout the country, but this is the first time they have worked with Nexus.
Ian Wilson, who managed the project for the agency, said: “It's been a pleasure to work on the project, and nice to be working in our own region for a change. The client gave us the opportunity to be creative and we're delighted with the end result.”
This awareness campaign is the forerunner of a more active no parking at bus stops enforcement campaign next year which will emphasise drivers could face fines where they park illegally in stops.