Advertising boards could soon appear on roundabouts as North Ayrshire Council branches into selling adverts to make cash.
The council aims to raise £20,000 from the new venture.
Councillors have approved the launch of a pilot to test the market for advertising on 26 roundabouts.
A council paper said the advertising move could boost the local economy and make money for services.
But it warned: “The reputation and credibility of North Ayrshire must not be damaged by making agreements with unsuitable third parties.”
All agreements made with advertisers will include a statement that the council would still carry out its statutory duties with impartiality regardless of deals with firms.
Head of commercial services, Russell McCutcheon presented the plan to politicians at cabinet last week.
Mr McCutcheon said: “A number of local authorities are achieving benefits from advertising on roundabouts.”
Concerns have been raised about whether the advertisments could distract drivers and lead to road accidents.
But the council report said the roads service would be consulted about any proposals. And efforts would be made to ensure the boards are placed in locations, which don’t cause problems for motorists.
The paper said: “A trial pilot advertising on land assets (roundabouts) is proposed which will inform future potential advertising opportunities by testing the available markets.”
It added: “Each roundabout and any potential for advertising will require to be considered on a case by case basis to maximise any potential market demand.”
All signage would require planning permission.
