Photo deep-linked from the Courier-Journal

The Courier-Journal posted this story yesterday about the convtroversy over the ad benches that have been appearing along Louisville's state highways. 

The Cincinatti company claims they are aboveboard and have their ducks in a row:

Bruce Graumlich, president of the Bench Billboard Co., said he would only answer questions posed in writing. He said that his company has “sought and received permits” for the benches and that all are “lawfully placed.”

However, the benches, which have been placed on state highways, are not permitted, says KYTC:

Andrea Clifford, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said none of the benches along state roads are permitted because the agency does not issue permits to advertising benches on any of its routes.

Some of the readers commenting on the story point out that when you're tired, even the ugliest bench is welcome relief to da feet. One reader suggested using the benches as traffic calming:

Here's an idea. Put the benches in the middle of the streets to 'calm' the traffic. Then everyone will be too absorbed avoiding hitting them to read the ads.

What do cartky readers think: should the benches stay or should they go now?

(If they stay there willl be trouble and if they go it will be double)