Watch for men at work

HALIFAX, N.S. — Nova Scotia’s Dept. of Transportation is asking drivers to be on alert when travelling through construction areas, which will be more frequently monitored by RCMP this summer.

"We urge motorists to watch their speed and use extra caution when passing through road construction zones," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. ??

In 2008, the province doubled fines and demerit points for speeding in work zones. The fines, including court costs, range from $337 for a first offence to $2,407 for a third offence. ??

"RCMP officers from across the province will be monitoring construction zones for individuals speeding," said Insp. Sput McCarthy, officer in charge of traffic services for the RCMP in Nova Scotia. "There is zero tolerance for those speeding and endangering the lives of themselves, other road users and construction workers."??

The province and the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association are partnering on a work zone safety campaign this month. Trevor Chisholm, director of safety for the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association, said even the smallest mistake by a driver can lead to vehicles entering a work zone and killing or injuring workers.