SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The department of public safety was in attendance at the recent hearings of the public accounts committee, urging the ministry to take action to reduce moose-vehicle collisions.

The public says quick and effective methods should be implemented immediately because the number of accidents is rising.

Deputy minister, Brian Alexander was encouraged to clear roadside bush, which could give drivers more warning of animals stepping onto the highways, and to adjust moose-hunting licences in hopes that hunters could take more prey in the highway areas while not adversely affecting the moose population.

However, some argue that because moose travel large distances, killing more in one area would not lessen the numbers near the roadways.

New Brunswick averages more than 250 moose-collision accidents annually, and new technologies, like an infrared camera system, may be tested to address the problem.

Alexander says this issue is a high priority and proposals for Cabinet’s consideration will be ready within the next few weeks. In the meantime, the department is focusing on an awareness campaign for drivers.