News release

Majority of Nova Scotians Satisfied with Provincial Highways

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

The 2008 Highway Customer Satisfaction Survey shows that most Nova Scotians are satisfied with the provincial highways system.

Those very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the highway system has remained consistent over the last four years, with 61 per cent overall satisfaction in 2008, 59 per cent in 2007, 61 per cent in 2006 and 59 per cent in 2005.

"We are pleased that road users continue to be satisfied with our highway system," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "This survey is a useful tool in helping the department determine areas where improvement is needed."

As in 2007, most Nova Scotians feel safe on the province's roads and in their communities. Seventy-six per cent of those surveyed said they felt secure driving on Nova Scotia roads and 65 per cent said they feel safe walking in their communities.

Respondents were asked to rate the seriousness of several traffic safety issues in Nova Scotia. The top three problems identified were: drivers using cellphones, hand-held or hands-free (82 per cent), speeding (81 per cent) and distracted drivers (79 per cent). Compared with 2007 results, almost all problems listed were rated significantly lower in seriousness.

This fiscal year, the department has dedicated $533.2 million to highway spending, including capital, representing a $86.6-million increase over last year. The 2008 customer satisfaction survey was conducted by The Marketing Clinic. It identified areas to improve Nova Scotia's highways, measured client satisfaction with highways and related services, and collected citizens' views about the importance and quality of various services. A random sample of 2,080 respondents, 16 and older from across the province, was surveyed.

The 2008 Overall Highlights Report is available on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/publications/ . The 2009 survey has begun.