Skoda Octavia Train ad given OK by ASA

The ASA has cleared "Train", a spot for Volkswagen's Skoda Octavia, in which a woman jumps off a railway bridge and through a train window. It received 39 complaints which included the Rail Safety and Standards Board, who said the woman jumping and crashing through the window of a railway carriage "encourage vandalism to trains and also pointed out that riding on top of a train looked exciting and could encourage copycat behaviour".

Others found the ad "distressing and offensive" with five complainants pointing out that the jump was similar to a suicide while one said that window-smashing reminded them of railway accidents when windows had to be smashed to rescue people.

Fallon said that it had clearly created a fantasy world and the contrast between an efficient PA and the practical and exciting theme made the scenario ridiculous and comical. The ASA agreed and said they didn't think the actions in the ad would be something that could or should be copied. The ad is already restricted during kids programming.