In 1968 our state legislature passed a law effectively banning roadside billboards. The statute is detailed in various sections of Title 10, Chapter 21. Each day as I drive along Route 7, 22A, and even when I’m venturing further afield on I-89 and I-91, I am so thankful to our representatives of yore who had the foresight to enact this law.

I just returned from a visit to Connecticut. On I-91 North you have personal injury lawyers, cannabis outlets, discount furniture stores, and more, hawking their wares and services as far as the eye can see. As soon as you cross into Vermont, the vibe changes. The hills and mountains become visible. My white-knuckle grip relaxes, and I can breathe that much easier.

Within the last few months, along Routes 22S and 7 I’ve noticed what looks awfully like billboards popping up. These large, flapping advertisements are affixed to idle hay trailers, standing in farmers’ fields. They all advertise for the same New York-based business that purportedly sells a variety of products and services. They are not signage that communicates the services of that property. They are not official directional signs. They are seemingly advertisements for an out-of-state business.

According to Title 10, Chapter 21, Statute 497 the Agency of Transportation is responsible for removing unauthorized signs. If these are not billboards, what are they?

We need to ask ourselves whether we’re willing to tolerate the erosion of this quintessential Vermont law. We must preserve what makes our state so special — and hold those responsible for enforcing the law accountable.

David Small

Vergennes