FREDERICTON, N.B. — The departments of public safety and transportation are taking steps to slow down Route 7 drivers in an effort to reduce moose-vehicle collisions along that highway.

Statistics collected in the past month on Route 7 indicate that 87 per cent of drivers are exceeding the 100km an hour speed limit during the day, and 80 per cent of drivers are exceeding the speed limit at night.

In an effort to reduce speeds on Route 7 the two departments are initiating a pilot project involving signing and brush cutting on a 40 kilometre section of Route 7 between Geary and Welsford.

The department of transportation employees will install two 3.6m by 2.4m signs with flashing lights at each end of the 40km section of highway. Other 3m by 1.2m warning signs will be installed at ten kilometre intervals. Standard moose warning signs will be installed at five kilometre intervals.

Public Safety Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney also announced that starting Oct. 7, radio and television ads will be broadcast throughout New Brunswick to promote tips for avoiding moose-vehicle collisions. These advertisements will run for a three-week period to supplement the other promotional efforts such as brochures, posters and educational videos.