New Highway Signage Rules Coming

The Nova Scotia government is changing the rules around highway advertising signs, a move that will improve sign directions, make travelling safer, and protect the province’s scenic beauty.

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, introduced amendments to the Public Highways Act today after years of consultation.

"The basic philosophy behind the new rules is to offer travellers the information on services they need in a clear, concise fashion while not interfering with the natural beauty of our province," said Mr. Russell. "We are striking a balance between the need to advertise and the protection of Nova Scotia’s scenic views."

"The new rules will allow eligible businesses more opportunities to market their establishments along provincial highways," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "At the same time, enhancements to our provincial roads and scenic travelways will strengthen Nova Scotia’s position as a world-class scenic touring destination."

The amendments, as well as regulatory changes, will lead to three kinds of standardized signs on provincial highways and rural roads: advertising signs, directional signs and business logo signs.

On secondary highways and local roads only, traveller-related businesses will continue to be able to post their own unique advertising signs. As well, businesses will be able to post standardized directional signs near intersections.

On the 100-series, controlled-access highways, businesses providing key motorist services will be able to include their logo or name on signs posted near off-ramps.

Existing signs will remain in place during the upcoming tourist season. Depending on the sign and location, this grace period will last between one and five years.

"Tourists need to be able to find the attractions and services they want, and we need to keep our highways safe and attractive," said Eric Mullen, president of Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. "These changes move us in that direction."

Signs not affected include:

• signs on municipal roads;
• signs located on a business’s premises;
• Adopt-a-Highway signs;
• signs for service clubs and boards of trade;
• scenic travelways signs (Sunrise Trail, Marine Drive, etc.).

These amendments and regulations are being introduced in response to public calls for action. Since 1998, the department has worked with government, business and community representatives to review signage policies in other jurisdictions and research the needs of motorists. They then talked to hundreds of Nova Scotians in a series of community meetings. The resulting proposal was shared once more with the public and, with this input, a policy was brought to government.

When the legislation and regulations become law, a committee of business, government and community representatives will provide advice, interpretation and recommendations to Transportation and Public Works.

The current rules on highway advertising signs date back to the 1960s. In recent years, signs have proliferated on the province’s highways, leading to increased complaints from tourists and Nova Scotians, as well as safety concerns. The amendments and regulations will eliminate the increase in unregulated advertising signs on Nova Scotia’s roadways.

Many other provinces have already introduced new highway advertising policies, or are exploring new options, including Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

More information is available on changes to Nova Scotia’s sign rules. Interested people can call toll-free at 1-866-275-8148 or go to www.gov.ns.ca/tran/projects/signage.stm .