Advertising Sign Policy to be Modified

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Advertising Sign Policy to be Modified

Nova Scotia's advertising sign policy will be modified, the Department of Transportation and Public Works announced today, June 5.

Advertising signs will not be removed from provincial roadways on July 16, as planned, and signs on the province's secondary highways and local roads will not need permits.

"The consensus wasn't there in communities across Nova Scotia for us to move forward on some parts of the policy," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We heard from a wide variety of groups and businesses and their concerns are reflected in today's decision."

Other parts of the policy are going ahead. On 100-Series controlled-access highways, the province plans to install business logo signs near exit ramps. These logo signs advertise key motorist services, such as fuel, food and accommodations. The first signs will appear this summer.

The province is also moving ahead with its long-term plans to remove advertising signs facing 100-Series controlled-access highways. No new signs will be allowed within 1,000 metres of the centreline of all controlled-access highways. And existing advertising signs facing controlled-access highways will be removed by 2006.

The provision will also remain that allows municipalities and villages to protect scenic areas from advertising signs.