HALIFAX, N.S. — The governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick this week introduced changes in their respective legislations governing how commercial signs are posted along roadways.

“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,” says Ron Russell, N.S. Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

The Nova Scotia government argues the change will also improve sign directions and make travelling safer.

“The new rules will allow eligible businesses more opportunities to market their establishments along provincial highways,” says N.S. Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald.

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, says the province. As well, businesses will be able to post standardized directional signs near intersections.

Nova Scotia notes that signs not affected by the change include those on municipal roads and business premises, as well as those indicating the Adopt-a-Highway program. In addition, signs for service clubs and boards of trade and scenic travelways will remain unchanged.

The government of New Brunswick says its sign regulations were developed in cooperation with industry stakeholders in the fall of 2000. Its changes are effective immediately.

Although it didn’t say when its laws new laws will come into effect, the government of Nova Scotia noted that once they do, “a committee of business, government and community representatives will provide advice, interpretation and recommendations to Transportation and Public Works.”