A CINEMA chain's bid to erect huge film adverts next to Scotland's busiest road has been blocked by the Government over fears they would cause traffic chaos.

Bosses at Showcase Cinemas wanted to place the illuminated adverts for upcoming movies outside their theatre in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.

The 120-sq ft signs would have been put on an area of grass next to the A8, the two-lane section of the M8 motorway linking Glasgow and Edinburgh. Transport Scotland, which is in charge of the country's trunk road and motorway network, stepped in to object to the application, warning there was a high risk images of movie stars would distract drivers and lead to serious road accidents.

The proposal was refused by North Lanarkshire Council but Showcase's advertising agents Primesight appealed to the Scottish Government to overturn the decision, but that was rejected.