News release

Motorists Reminded to Slow Down in Construction Zones

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

As summer starts to heat up and crews are at work maintaining and improving the province's roads, motorists are reminded to watch their speed and be considerate of workers when passing through road construction zones.

"In exchange for better roads, we ask motorists to be patient and reduce their speed while travelling through work zones," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Hundreds of men and women will be hard at work this construction season and we can all play a role in keeping them safe."

Last year, the province introduced legislative amendments that target people who speed in work zones. Fines are doubled and demerit points are assigned to driver's records for speeding in work zones. The fines, including court costs, range from $337 for a first offence to $2,407 for a third offence.

The province and the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association are also teaming up to launch a work zone safety campaign this month. Radio, television and print advertisements will remind drivers that there are people behind the signs.

Patrick Gray, director of safety for the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association, said driver inattention and speed are hazards that affect the safety of road crews.

"We know delays can be frustrating for drivers, but we also want drivers to understand that this is our workplace and the signs and traffic control provisions are in place to protect our workers," said Mr. Gray.

The work zone safety campaign is one of several provincial initiatives to improve road safety, including a ban on hand-held cellphones, legislation to combat street racing, and new graduated driver-licensing rules.