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Fresh controversy erupted over Dublin's "billboards for bikes" scheme after one of the new advert panels became an instant traffic hazard.
The sleek electronic "metropanel" was placed directly in front of a set of traffic lights and pedestrian crossing at a busy city junction.
Dublin City Council has ordered advertising giants JC Decaux to immediately remove the structure that outraged locals and councillors.
Calls have now been made for a halt to all work on the scheme until the newly-erected signs are safety-tested.
The 2.5-metre ad panel at the notorious junction of Dorset Street and Synott Place was one of a series of billboards being installed in a scheme backed by Dublin City Council.
The council has now requested the removal of the offending billboard and JC Decaux has undertaken to do so in the next 24 hours.
obstruction
"The sign was an obstruction to the traffic lights and as such its sitting was not in accordance with the terms of the grant of planning permission at this location", a council spokesman said.
"Recent improvement works along Dorset Street has altered the width and alignment of the footpath at this location resulting in the approved sign, which was erected in the correct location, obstructing views for pedestrians and motorists".
He stressed that a safety audit under the terms of the planning permissions granted is being compiled by JC Decaux and where any sign fails the audit they will be removed.
However, Councillor Emer Costello said: "I am outraged by what I have seen, especially as there has been a huge number of incidents at those particular traffic lights".
JC Decaux proposed funding a free bicycle scheme similar to other European capitals in return for around 150 billboards, though this was later dropped to under 100.
Dublin City Council eventually agreed to 72 sites and some were appealed. In February, An Bord Pleanala overturned permission for 18 billboards, but endorsed six of the 2.5-metre high structures.
