A recently launched campaign featuring graphic images of crash victims has sparked a debate between the Road Safety Council and a handful of restaurants that are against having the pictures on display.

The photographs, which were placed in establishments across the Island last week, show actual persons who have died or been seriously injured in road accidents.

However some restaurateurs have questioned why they weren't asked if they wanted to participate, or informed about the campaign, prior to its launch. And while most supported the Council's efforts, they said they were against exposing young children to the images.

Island Restaurant Group Ltd. president Philip Barnett said: "I was not personally contacted concerning this. A member of my staff said that people from the Road Safety came into the restaurants asking to post the images.

"One manager from my establishment originally agreed to put up the poster, but was told by the campaigners that they must watch them put the posters up."

Mr. Barnett agreed the campaign is necessary and understands that his establishments do serve alcohol but felt it unnecessary to expose children to such images.

Road Safety Council chairman Christopher Johnson later agreed to post less graphic images in establishments frequented by families.

"I believe that we should be concerned about exposing young children to the more graphic images," he admitted. "We need the restaurants on board and perhaps less graphic images will work for them.

"We are in the process of making softer images that are more suitable for diners or children."

The images will be of accident victims but they will be stitched up with no blood.

He added: "Without the restaurateurs on board, our message is diluted. We would hate for these establishments to lose out on this opportunity to show good corporate citizenship.

"At the end of the day these are private establishments and freedom of expression prevails."

Six restaurants had refused to hang up the posters – Barracuda Grill, Hog Penny Pub & Restaurant, Latin and Pickled Onion of the Island Restaurant Group Ltd., Henry VIII Restaurant & Bar and Bone Fish Bar & Grill.

Bonefish Grill also said they had not been contacted prior to last weekend's launch. A manager at the Henry VIII said they now have the images posted in their restrooms, but he declined to comment if they originally were opposed to the idea.

Mr. Barnett said: "I wholeheartedly agree with the Road Safety Council's campaign and we are always in support of their efforts, however, I feel those images are not appropriate for restaurants.

"When someone has dinner, it's not the nicest thing to see the tragic results of an accident before or after a meal. I think the images are better suited for nightclubs and bars."

Dr. Johnson agreed. "After speaking with Mr. Barnett, (the Island Restaurant Group Ltd. is) now on board with the campaign and we will be placing images that are less graphic and more appropriate for young people and diners."

He said Mr. Barnett also suggested the same images could be placed in grocery stores, liquor stores and other venues children might visit with an adult.

"This is an excellent idea that we will utilise," Dr. Johnson said.