RTBU rep wins TV ad complaint

An RTBU representative has complained to the Advertising Standards Bureau about an advertisement which he believed not only depicted women in a sexist way, but could also cause serious distress to train drivers.

The ad for Ultra Tune features two highly sexualised women parking on a railway crossing. A train then crashes into the parked car.

As train drivers all know, this situation is everyone’s worst nightmare and the ad has caused a number of members to experience serious flashbacks.

While the ASB ruled that the advertisement didn’t depict material contrary to the Prevailing Community Standards on safety around level crossing, it did uphold the complaint on the basis that it discriminates against or vilifies a person on account of gender.

The advertiser has stated it will appeal the decision. We’ll keep you updated on further developments.