Offensive sign, what can I do?

[AndThisIsTrue]

Hi, I have never really been in this section before but I came across a ridiculous half naked woman sign yesterday advertising a scrapyard and would love to do something about it but I'm not sure where to start. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Should I just write them a letter? I have a feeling that won't do much though.Thanks.

Where did you see the sign? Need to know more details.

Is it in Edinburgh? I saw a lorry in a metal scrapyard with a half naked lady on the side. I want to complain but not sure the best way to do it.

Yes its in Edinburgh Lones! I will see if I can add the picture I took. It is on the side of a lorry in their yard being used as an advert.

Advertising standards would be your first port of call I think. It looks foreign though.

That's the one! I was going to stop next time I saw it and get a picture. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it offensive.

I suppose we could email the company, but not sure what to try if that doesn't work.

Ah no! It's Dalton Metals. here

And on their website it says their ads are banned!

Go to about us.

here's an article

So if they're banned then why still visible I wonder??

FFS. Their website says these ads were banned by the ASA more than 3 years ago! Clearly not very effectively.

Complain to Advertising Standards again - they won't be pleased that their ban has been ignored and the image hasn't been taken down.

I'd also alert them to the "Advertising" page which shows that they are very aware that the ad has been banned.

The ASA's adjudication is here. It looks like it's talking about a different advert:
A poster for a metal recycling service stated "DALTON METAL RECYCLING BROXBURN ... TOP PRICES PAID FOR SCRAP, COPPER, BRASS, LEAD, CARS...". On either side of the text was an image of a woman from the waist down wearing only knickers and high heels.

Oh no - they've had two rulings against them. Here's the one for this advert.

Great, thanks. It was right against the fence next to the main road so blatantly on show.

Have filled in an online complaint. I wonder how long it has been there for?

With trading standards? Not on the company website? They'll not respond I bet.

I've also complained to the ASA. The one I saw was on Salamander Street, was it the same for you?

On ASA. Yes it was on Salamander Street yesterday.

My response from the ASA:

"Thank you for contacting us at the ASA. I’m sorry to hear you’ve had cause for concern. I should tell you, however, that we won’t be pursuing your complaint further, as the material falls outside our remit. The ad is appearing on the side of a lorry, and is situated inside the advertiser’s own property. While I understand you find it distasteful, we do not consider we could reasonably argue that the ad’s primary function is to advertise the service, particularly given that it appears on their own property. I would therefore suggest that you contact your local Trading Standards. I do hope you’re able to pursue your complaint further."

I would write back to them and say that since the lorry is in service it IS in their area and they HAVE to pursue it.

That or I'd fucking spray paint the thing out of existence.

I just received the same reply. How is it that they could ban it before then?! I am tempted to go paint over, could probably reach through the fence without even going on their property!

Do it! they can't complain if it's banned. Get a spray gun or something. Or just spray it with shit. It's a big arse after all!

I've emailed the company asking for them to move the lorry (long shot but I thought I would try). I've also emailed my MP who seems pretty hot on local issues so I'll see what she says.

Oh good! Tell them if they don't Mumsnet are going to shit on it.