CHENNAI: While location is key for advertisement banners, precariously hanging ones on the Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road is a danger to motorists and residents.

The arterial road, which begins near the Vandalur Zoo, connects OMR via Kolapakkam, Kandigai, Melakottaiyur, Mambakkam and Pudupakkam. Vehicular traffic is heavy on this stretch, as it passes by and leads to several industrial units, IT companies, educational institutions, apartment complexes, and shopping malls.

The road is flanked by advertisement banners standing on tall iron pillars with heavy metal frames. Following the recent rains and strong winds, several banners have been torn and damaged.

Many are now seen flapping dangerously in the wind, partially detached and hanging at risk of collapsing at any moment.

Motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, said they are travelling in constant fear, unsure when a banner frame might snap and fall onto the road. Several commuters expressed shock that, despite the visible danger, no immediate preventive action has been taken by the Highways department or the traffic police.

A few years ago, a banner collapsed onto the Pallavaram Radial Road, killing a woman on her two-wheeler. This led to strong court criticism and strict directions to authorities to prevent such hazards.

"Recently, officials are allowing banners and cutouts without any proper permission, allowing dangerous structures to remain unchecked along major roads," said Ramamoorthy, a regular commuter from Vandalur.

When contacted, police officials said that the responsibility for removing unsafe banners lies with the highways department and local bodies. They added that the police would provide protection whenever requested during removal operations and confirmed that the matter has already been brought to the notice of the highways department.