The days of the ‘offensive’ slogans daubed across the multitude of Wicked camper vans that cross-cross the country could be numbered.
The vans’ messages, which are deliberately edgy and push the boundaries of good taste, have been drawing increasing criticism from all quarters.
Police say they are currently powerless to act on the vehicles much beloved by overseas backpackers because they do not break the law as it stands.
However, the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper reports that a Queensland parliamentary committee, which is already investigating outdoor advertising codes, will determine whether reforms, including law changes are needed.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bliejie says the committee was specifically asked to look at advertising material or content sexually explicit in nature, but it was also able to look at content in the public domain that could be considered offensive.
That broad frame of reference could include Wicked Campers covered in obscene language and artwork.
The Wicked artwork is deemed to be ‘advertising’ and therefore falls under the umbrella of the Australian Standards Bureau (ASB). However, Wicked Campers has reportedly refused to comply with the rules as laid out by the advertising industry’s self-regulating body.
Mr Bliejie said the parliamentary committee would also look at the effectiveness of industry self-regulation.
The committee is due to hand in its final report early next year.
Would you like to see the Wicked messages reigned in? Are they generally just plain vulgar and offensive … or do you find them amusing and quirky? Comment below.
I think they are great very amusing gives u a laugh while driving its the whiz bang doors at night that is not amusing
Could’nt agree more especially about the whiz bangs
I agree Brian, I actually look to read all of them that I can as they pass us or visa versa. Yes the sliding doors are a nuisance at night.
I tend to agree with Brian, I don’t find the slogans offensive, just THAT door. Most of the occupants are friendly, yes some leave a mess but not most.
The thing I can’t work out is how four sleep in the back of an already cramped space.
Don’t think they are so bad. We all need a sense of humor and a good laugh now and again
Wouldn’t hire one myself, agree entirely about the slamming door and the rubbish bit, but the slogans are interesting and some even amusing.
When I was a kid 60 years ago the world bloody would get me a flogging, now TV shows use Fuxxxk and Cxxnt to add authenticity.. Tell the Pollies to mind their own business..
Edgy is good….. I must admit to being a tad shocked at times but thats the nature of youth…
Art is meant to surprise and even shock..
I find some of the language confronting but considered that we live in a land of free speech. I have since changed my position when my daughter who was not personally worried about the vans found her self in the position of trying to explain to young children what it meant.
As a young girl if I was cheeky, Mum would say I’m “wicked” if I did something to raise her eye brows yet she would be chuckling, then tell me, you didn’t get from my side of the family young lady.
As a woman one who is suppose to be all grown up, but, going through second childhood, there is still a cheeky side to who I am and proudly so.
I think it’s rediculous to even mention what’s on the side of a camper van.
If the word bothers you, you must be missing something. May I suggest a Wicked Icecream, it’s finger licking good in the heat of the moment.
I’m sure the company that owns the camper vans is wickedly grinning ear to ear, having this free publicity.
Happy Days, everyone.
Misde.
Agree, sometimes they are funny, but some are a bit over the top, as many families with children would also be exposed to the crass side. I am no prude, but would not like having to constantly explain to any child of any age, and heaven forbid I was travelling with teens, and listening to their sniggers all the time……… !!
It relates to the kids, their lingo, their “SLANG”
Very Good, Excellent, Cool, Awesome,
Man, dude, you’re a wicked driver!
That van man is wicked!
When we loose site and don’t understand our kids, maybe we have the problem not them.
Happiness is listening to our youth and watching them get out exploring the world
Misde.
Lighten up Australia
Can’t do: eat sweets, drink, have sugar, eat burgers, eat sub-way, free camp here, free camp there, fry up breakfast, advertise,the list goes on !, BUT we can drink water [yuk], kids can say “F*** when ever & where ever they want ??
Got me buggered
Many years ago I had a panel van that had a sticker ” if it’s rockin don’t. Bother knockin” and another one that said “don’t laugh it could be your daughter in the back ” I’m sure they raised a few eyebrows in the late 70’s